News

Learning better: Can science experiments in group settings help children with autism?

How can pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have positive learning experiences and improve their social skills? Researchers at the University of Graz are investigating how science experiments in group settings can contribute to this. Initial results from the project, which is funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, show that children react differently depending on the kind of neurodiversity, but that experimentation classes with the right setting definitely have potential. "Pupils with ASD can do more than is currently expected of them in many cases," says project leader Uwe Simon.

Human Rights Day: Gerd Oberleitner looks at how to protect them

It was the heat: researchers clarify the history of the Great Barrier Reef

400 coral species, 1500 different fish species and 4000 species of molluscs: This extraordinary diversity characterises the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. Researchers from the Universities of Kiel and Graz have now unravelled the story of how this natural wonder came into being: a rise in water temperature 700,000 years ago led to the spread of corals. The results of the study have just been published in the journal Science Advances.

With two eyes on the goal: how desert ants see the world

Open your eyes: we humans combine visual stimuli in our brains to create an overall picture of our environment. In contrast, social insects such as ants require constant visual input to retrieve memories of familiar surroundings. A team of biologists led by the University of Graz has made this new discovery using the desert ant as an example.

Role model for inclusion in the workplace: University of Graz receives Diversitas Award

How can people with disabilities find a suitable job at the university? The University of Graz has an answer to this question. In 2016, it launched the "Uniqability meets University" project to attract more people with disabilities as employees and to offer them the best possible conditions. The initiative has been very successful and is a model project throughout Austria. On 2 December 2024, it was awarded a Diversitas prize by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research for this project, endowed with 12,500 euros.

Barbara Levc has been supporting students with disabilities for 30 years

3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations established it in 1993 to raise awareness of the concerns of people with disabilities. Thirty years ago, Barbara Levc was the first disability officer at the University of Graz to set up a counselling centre and improve the conditions for the target group. As a blind student, she knew what hurdles had to be overcome and that this task would require a lot of time, energy and perseverance. For 20 years now, she has headed the Disability Resource Centre, which offers a comprehensive range of services for disabled and chronically ill students.

Students at the University of Graz provided enchanting moments full of chemistry

Themed ‘Chemical Moments’, the chemical Christmas show at the University of Graz enchanted the audience with glowing experiments, fiery reactions and creative research. Around 500 high school students experienced an evening full of scientific highlights and fascinating chemistry at the Schauspielhaus Graz at the end of November.

Sustainability Award 2024 for two projects of the University of Graz

How do major international conferences reduce their carbon footprint? And what can maths lessons contribute to education for sustainable development? Two questions that were answered at the University of Graz. The corresponding projects were awarded the Sustainability Award 2024 in silver on 26 November in Vienna. This award for Austria's universities and colleges is presented by the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Climate Protection.