Begin of page section:
Page sections:

  • Go to contents (Accesskey 1)
  • Go to position marker (Accesskey 2)
  • Go to main navigation (Accesskey 3)
  • Go to sub navigation (Accesskey 4)
  • Go to additional information (Accesskey 5)
  • Go to page settings (user/language) (Accesskey 8)
  • Go to search (Accesskey 9)

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Begin of page section:
Page settings:

English en
Deutsch de
Search
Login

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Begin of page section:
Search:

Search for details about Uni Graz
Close

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections


Search

Begin of page section:
Main navigation:

Page navigation:

  • University

    University
    • About the University
    • Organisation
    • Faculties
    • Library
    • Working at University of Graz
    • Campus
    Developing solutions for the world of tomorrow - that is our mission. Our students and our researchers take on the great challenges of society and carry the knowledge out.
  • Research Profile

    Research Profile
    • Our Expertise
    • Research Questions
    • Research Portal
    • Promoting Research
    • Research Transfer
    • Ethics in Research
    • Commission for Scientific Integrity
    Scientific excellence and the courage to break new ground. Research at the University of Graz creates the foundations for making the future worth living.
  • Studies

    Studies
    • Prospective Students
    • Students
    • Registration for Study Programme (Winter semester 2026/27)
    • Welcome Weeks for First Year Students
  • Community

    Community
    • International
    • Location
    • Research and Business
    • Alumni
    The University of Graz is a hub for international research and brings together scientists and business experts. Moreover, it fosters the exchange and cooperation in study and teaching.
Topics
  • Sustainable University
  • Researchers answer
  • Work for us
Close menu

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Begin of page section:
You are here:

University of Graz News Crossing scientific boundaries: Bionics is an example of best practice

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Friday, 31 May 2024

Crossing scientific boundaries: Bionics is an example of best practice

Man sitting on a desk

Manfred Hartbauer is a bionics researcher. His role model is nature. Photo: Joel Kernasenko

Biologist Manfred Hartbauer has a great role model: nature. He uses its facets to explore new things.

 

The history of science has always taught us that there are no limits to human knowledge and ability. As researchers, we are driven by an inner urge for new knowledge and understanding of the processes of nature, which never cease to amaze us on the breathtaking journey of scientific discovery.

Evolution shows us in its purest form how boundaries can be overcome. Charles Darwin once wrote: “It is not the strongest specimen of a species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” We humans, as a species with billions of years of evolution behind us and ahead of us, are a powerful testament to this.

Bionic research is an excellent field for overcoming boundaries. It goes to the limits of nature to develop technical solutions that can improve our quality of life. One application is the eyes of nocturnal insects, which serve as a model for improving underexposed camera images. Another example is the control of invasive fruit flies. Here, the limits of conventional pest control are being exceeded to find new solutions.

And so it becomes clear: in science, we are always pushing the boundaries. We venture into the unknown and challenge the established in our quest for something new and better. Evolution and bionics both teach us this: There are no insurmountable frontiers, only daring challenges waiting to be accepted. So let's follow this scientific tradition in the Galilean spirit and remain bold, curious and boundless!

Related news

Commissioned by NATO: University of Graz tests high-tech textiles

As part of an international project, antimicrobial and fire-resistant fabrics with UV protection are being developed in Zagreb. Pharmacists from the University of Graz are ensuring that these fabrics are skin-friendly.

The Arctic up close: ORF special feature on the University of Graz’s research station in S

Students from the University of Graz are spending two weeks conducting research at the Univerisity of Graz research station at the Sermilik Fjord in Greenland, which has been operational for three years. They are measuring glacial runoff, tracking ice melt in real time and installing weather stations. ORF is following the expedition and will be reporting on the special feature ‘Arctic Adventure’ across its various channels from 20 July.

Medicine for ants: Caffeine prolongs the life of infected insects

Black coffee stimulates us and acts against bacteria. So, can caffeine also be good for insects? Yes, confirm biologists of the University of Graz. When ants suffer from a fungal disease, they consume more caffeine and remain active for longer.

How formulas are making medicine more personalised

When Federica Caforio talks about the heart, it doesn’t sound like an operating theatre, but rather like equations, parameters and simulations. Yet this is precisely where the medical promise of her research lies: one day, clinical data will be used to create a digital twin of the heart – a virtual model that will enable a better understanding of diseases and allow for more personalised treatment plans. She will be presenting her research at the ‘ECMTB 2026’ mathematics conference.

Begin of page section:
Additional information:

University of Graz
Universitaetsplatz 3
8010 Graz
Austria
  • Contact
  • Web Editors
  • Moodle
  • UNIGRAZonline
  • Imprint
  • Data Protection Declaration
  • Accessibility Declaration
Weatherstation
Uni Graz

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Begin of page section:

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections