All posts by Oliver Lehmann

Kenan Dogan Güngör

“Science is generally said to be more content-analytical and therefore a little hostile to life and fun. Well, which other city would be more appropriate to contradict this assumption than Vienna with its time-honored tradition of balls? Viennese style and freely adapted from Max Weber: cool and distant in analysis, passionate in the matter – and Viennese when it comes to parties … “

The sociologist Kenan Güngör sees himself as a German-speaking European with Kurdish-Turkish roots. He is founder of the “Office for Society, Organization and Development – think.difference” in Vienna which advises and accompanies state and non-governmental organisations at federal, state and local level as an consultant and international expert on integration and diversity issues.

Photo: Magdalena Possert

 

Jane Austen and the midnight quadrille

“My friend G.G. was there with two of her friends from Canada: one is a great guy I have met a few times and who actually flies into Vienna to attend balls and that is so neat and international spy-like. Her other friend had just arrived in Vienna for the very first time. I think attending a ball and being in Vienna for the first time is probably incredibly surreal and a little time warpy. When the midnight quadrille started, she just shook her head in amazement and said ‘I mean, I’ve studied Jane Austen but this…'”

Tova Marr on the ball 2017 in her fantastic blog “Operation Tubetop”

Nuno Maulide

“A central topic in chemistry are the reactions that change chemical bonds. This phenomenon of transformation can also be transferred to the ball: the Vienna Ball of Sciences demonstrates how this format of a ball, which has long been regarded as very traditional, can be transformed into a modern and inspiring event that now has fans all over the world. And allegedly, the ball might also create new interesting bonds through reactions on the dance floor. ”

Nuno Maulide is Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Vienna. He is member of the ÖAW Young Curia. In 2015 he received a ERC Grant, the highest research grant from the European Union, already for the second time. In addition, Maulide has rendered services as a science broker at the Vienna Children’s University

Photo: © Universität Wien/derknopfdruecker.com

“Dancing with the Stars” at Sci Ball Vienna!

Ever dreamt of opening a ball as a “Dancing Star”? To the sounds of the famous polonaise? In the ballroom of the town hall? Imagine sweeping over the dancing floor as one of the first couples, while all the other guests impatiently wait, ready to swing their stiletto heels and patent-leather shoes? This dream can come true for you at the Vienna Ball of Sciences, if you are familiar with Viennese waltz. Continue reading “Dancing with the Stars” at Sci Ball Vienna!

The moment…

… the complete audience in the grand ball room of Vienna’s town hall turned to welcome President Alexander Van der Bellen as guest of honor at the 3rd Science Ball on 28 January 2017.

© PID/Christian Jobst

For the President’s words of welcome please see German version. 

Jo Abernethy

“It has been my dream since I was a little girl to attend a ball in Vienna. I have pictured myself dancing in a ballroom. (So) your invitation was overwhelming and so exciting!”

Jo Abernethy, Bexleyheath, Kent, UK

Ruth Wodak

161121_wodaklogo_en“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.