Our Stories

Science (and scientists) are increasingly confronted with criticism and the political dimension of their work. However, history suggests that not all criticism is the same. Some movements that have challenged scientific authority have ultimately driven social and scientific change. Should we revisit them today?

Who would say no to innovation? But every promising innovation leaves environmental traces – some we expect, others surprise us decades later. Whether it’s nuclear waste, microplastics, or the residues of our ever-expanding data industry. A shift in perspective could help us rethink how we deal with innovation.

Contaminants in food - a topic that is rarely discussed without emotion. Between growing concerns about microplastics, pesticides, and so-called forever chemicals on the one hand, and increasingly differentiated scientific assessments on the other, there is room for many questions. How risky are residues really? What is measurable, what is noticeable, and what can be regulated, and how quickly?

With €45,000 awarded through a competitive review, these interdisciplinary collaborations aim to spark innovative research and lead to joint publications and grant proposals. We congratulate our hub members and look forward to the discoveries ahead!

How can young researchers effectively learn to communicate evidence-based, scientific recommendations to policymakers? This question was at the core of the Science for Policy Hackathon organized by the Innovation unit and the ECH of the University of Vienna in cooperation with the City of Vienna, the Urban Sustainability Living Lab, and SDG Watch Austria. At the final pitch event on Monday, February 10th, the groups showcased their ideas and the winners were celebrated.

Current climate goals require the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, how this should happen is up for debate. Researchers at the University of Vienna and the Potsdam Research Institute for Sustainability took a close look at the emission reduction plans of major EU industry sectors and found a substantial but underspecified reliance on uncertain carbon removal technologies. This enables them to project currently highly emission-intensive business models into the future.