"Democracy is like a construction site!"

Reliable forecasting of extreme weather: new study supports improvement of climate models

Torrential rainfall such as that recently experienced in Spain is just one form of extreme weather event that is becoming more frequent as a result of climate change. With catastrophic consequences. Storms, droughts and heatwaves are also increasing in intensity. One of the decisive factors for the damage they cause is their duration. However, it is not yet possible to reliably predict this using current climate models. A research team led by Albert Ossó from the Wegener Center at the University of Graz has now succeeded in identifying some of the causes of this modelling problem. The new findings, which have been published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, might help to improve the accuracy of climate models and thus forecasts of extreme weather events in Europe.

How much emotion does morality need? Ralf Lutz explores the psychological side of ethics

What is good and what is bad? Due to our upbringing and our own insight, we usually know which values we should be guided by. But why do we still repeatedly fail to act accordingly? What role do our feelings play in this? Ralf Lutz deals with these questions in his research. The professor of moral theology and doctor of psychology wants to bring the two disciplines closer together. "Ethics helps us to find out what is right and wrong. But in order to understand how we can live according to these principles, we need moral psychology," Lutz is convinced.

Research without borders in the European University Alliance Arqus

International cooperation strengthens cutting-edge research, the results of which benefit us all. As part of the European University Alliance Arqus, researchers from the University of Graz are collaborating with colleagues from eight other universities on current topics and societal challenges. Two new projects have just started. The group led by Sandro Keller, Professor of Biophysics, is studying the mechanisms of cell communication as a prerequisite for the development of new, more effective drugs. Christine Schwanecke, Professor of English Literature and Cultural Studies and Director of the Centre for Cultural Studies, and her colleague Lisa Schantl are investigating the special features of contemporary English-language poetry by authors who grew up speaking another language – as an example of how language can overcome the divisions between different cultures.

Why researchers should celebrate failures: The Uni Graz “Fiasco Fest” goes international

They say you learn from your mistakes. And this is true, especially for science. "Failure is a core element of research," says psychologist Sabine Bergner. "Because in order to find creative solutions, we have to try out new things without knowing whether they will work." However, failures in academia are often perceived as shameful and are not discussed openly. To change this, Bergner and Johanna Stadlbauer launched the "Fiasco Fest" at the University of Graz three years ago. The initiative has proved its worth. Therefore, the concept is now also being implemented at other universities of the Arqus European University Alliance.