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

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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!

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Observers in Styria recorded 4,660 different animals, plants and fungi as part of the international City Nature Challenge between 24 and 27 April 2026. This saw the region take first place in the "species" category. Ostrava in the Czech Republic made the most observations, with just under 140,000, whilst the San Francisco Bay Area had the highest number of participants, namely 3,019.

Studying at the University of Graz: How to enrol

Ready for a new chapter in your life with the start of your studies at the University of Graz in the winter semester 2026/27? Here you will find information on deadlines, admission procedures, registration, and everything else you need to successfully start your studies in the fall.

Europe Day: Strengthening international expertise with Arqus

On 9 May, the spotlight will be on Europe. At the University of Graz, European cooperation is also a tangible part of everyday student life – not least through the Arqus university alliance. Master’s and PhD students can currently register for the Arqus micro-credential in ‘Advanced Creative Thinking and Communication’.

A substantial community: the key role of soil crusts in the earth system

They are often overshadowed by the plant world: lichens, fungi, mosses and bacteria, which form unique communities on rocks and trees or as soil crusts. Bettina Weber from the University of Graz is bringing this biological alliance into the research spotlight. Her research shows that these communities form an essential part of the Earth’s critical zone and play a key role in the interactions between land and atmosphere. Bettina Weber was honoured by the European Geosciences Union for her groundbreaking research at the beginning of May.

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