“Thank you for this amazing idea, enabling ‘science to waltz’! Science is not only about lots of work and discipline; moreover, fun with and passion for research are inseparable parts of our life. Vienna of course is a perfect spot for such a ball – highlighting an important signal for internationality and diversity. Therefore, I am very much looking forward to this marvellous event.”

Ruth Wodak is a linguist, who is Emeritus Distinguished Professor and Chair in Discourse Studies at Lancaster University as well as Professor in Linguistics at the University of Vienna. In 2011 the Wittgenstein Prize laureate was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria.