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 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. 

“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.

“A Science Ball? That’s brilliant: researchers moving with the beat of the music in well-timed steps intermingled with unexpected twists and turns, yet graciously flowing.  What a wonderful metaphor that perfectly captures the research scene in Vienna and Austria!”

Fatima Ferreira, Wissenschaftlerin des Jahres 2008, Allergologin, Vize-Rektorin für Forschung der Universität Salzburg

Foto: Scheinast

“Science is all about exchanging and discussing ideas, exploring new paradigms and pushing boundaries. The Viennese way of fostering the scientific enterprise is unique and special –  networking while participating in the Fächerpolonaise, friendly competition during the Gallop-Polka and discussing the latest breakthroughs while mastering the Linkswalzer. Agreements to exchange reagents are sealed with the Damenspende and long-time collaboration forged at 4am in the Café Schwarzenberg while enjoying a Goulash soup and a Seidel – I wish could be there!”

Don’t miss this flight tonight!  Never to early to start booking your trips to the Vienna Ball of Sciences. We are proud to annonce that Austrian Airlines is the official carrier of the ball, offering a 15% discount for all flights to the ball and home again. For more details see our partner page.