Mild Research Night: Around 750 visitors travelled around the world at the university

Open doors on a long, balmy night: Around 750 people came to the University of Graz on April 24 to experience research up close. Photo: University of Graz/Weber

Lovely weather and a wide range of research topics drew visitors to the University of Graz last Friday. Highlights included a journey around the globe in eight stops, a ‘speed-dating’ session with books, insights into Alfred Wegener’s Greenland expedition, and guided tours of the democracy exhibition at the UniGraz@Museum.

Ever heard of Wolani? In which part of Indonesia is this language – one of nearly 1,000 – spoken? Or is it perhaps easier to write your own name in Chinese than to find the right answers in the GEWI language quiz? It took some brainpower to tackle the ‘Better Living’ memory game at the MetAge research cluster’s stand. As a reward, participants received insightful information on the factors that promote good health into old age.

Biologists demonstrated which plants and animals stop off in Austria on their journey around the world or have settled here permanently, including a live feed of the hustle and bustle in the RESOWI pond and insect identification in a specially erected light tent on campus. In doing so, the university also took part in this year’s City Nature Challenge.

Should friends or like-minded people see my posts? Do I want more likes or greater reach? At the IDea_Lab stand, interested visitors could design their own social network and control the algorithm. The effect was immediately evident from the messages posted.

Visitors of all ages were enthusiastic about the colourful programme, which had been organised with the help of nearly a hundred staff members from the University of Graz. The next Long Night of Research will take place in 2028.

A view of the University Library foyer during the Long Night of Research

Between Earth Sciences and Digital Worlds: In the University Library foyer, visitors could look, try things out, and get involved. Photo: University of Graz/Angele

The foyer of the University Library during the 2026 Long Night of Research

Where on the world map can a language that has never been heard before be located? Finding the correct coordinates within the allotted time was a challenge. Photo: University of Graz

©Uni Graz/Weber

Florina Schalamon describes life and work at the University of Graz research station in Greenland. Photo: University of Graz/Weber

Several interested visitors at the Earth Sciences Institute’s booth

Geoscientists from the University of Graz explained the journey minerals have taken and what else can be gleaned from rock samples. Photo: University of Graz/Angele

Dagmar Eklaude

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