Artificial intelligence in the form of machine learning, large language models such as ChatGPT is currently revolutionizing society and the economy, as well as universities and science. The basic techniques such as neural networks or large language models have been around for a long time, but in recent years a disruptive process has begun through which AI is massively penetrating all areas. Continue reading Georg Gottlob: Natural intelligence is having a ball
The changing climate is also transforming Vienna’s green spaces. New species are designed to withstand higher temperatures. At the Science Ball 2024, olives and pomegranates will decorate the tables.
A visit to the tree nursery by Chiara Joos
An evening that captivates the senses and gets people dancing requires a decoration that is just as unique. This year the table decorations are all about the climate, or more precisely: the olive. The trees with the small, round stone fruits are the winners from climate change. Cultivated and processed in a variety of ways in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years, they could soon triumph here too. The florists at the Vienna City Gardens are already setting the trend by decorating the banquet hall tables with small olive trees. But these Mediterranean trees are not only in miniature format, but also in large format in some places in Austria. Continue reading Change takes root
After high school, I spent a year at art school before starting my physics degree. I realised in the first few weeks of studying physics that something wasn’t right. 80% of my year were men, UK students were almost exclusively white, and most students were from more affluent socioeconomic backgrounds. Continue reading Jessica Wade: Help others to become scientists
If you would like to be informed about the start of ticket sales on 11 November 2024 simply register for our newsletter at ball@wissensball.at using the keyword “Tix Info”. Any further questions regarding the 10th Vienna Ball of Sciences on 25 January 2025 quite likely might be answered in our FAQs.
Science is the driving force behind our progress. Today, more than ever, we also see the negative consequences that progress has brought with it: the climate catastrophe. As Wiener Stadtwerke, we have a clear mandate to end the age of fossil fuels in Vienna. This is a Herculean task that requires more than pure will. Continue reading Peter Weinelt: Driving force behind progress
Climate as a focus: Walfisch Poldi, CO2 cubes and the cuddle choir • Premiere of the ball lecture at the ÖAW: Marc Abrahams on the meaning of science communication • And again, the ball is completely sold out
The science ball is entering the home stretch: two weeks to the major event, the final preparations are being made to delight the audience with scientific and artistic performances on January 27th. Ball organizer Oliver Lehmann: “Since the ground floor of the town hall is available to us again this year, we can welcome 4,000 guests this time. The ball is completely sold out. There will be no box office on the evening of the ball itself.” 
Continue reading Whale song and Schmusechor
We are very much looking forward to the visit of guest of honor Andrea Fischer! The Tyrolean glaciologist is Scientist of the Year 2023. The award was presented to her at a press conference in the Concordia press club by the Club of Education and Science Journalists for her impressive skills in communicating science.
After congratulations from club chairwoman Eva Stanzl and ÖAW president Heinz Fassmann, ball organizer Oliver Lehmann presented her with her personal ticket. She likes crampons more than dancing shoes. Fischer revealed that her visit to the science ball will be a first. She had never been to a ball before. Fischer will be a guest of Science Minister Martin Polaschek in the town hall. Continue reading From the glacier to the ball room
It’s literally a box office hit! Again, this ball season the Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus am Karlsplatz is our host. Thanks to their hospitality we are distributing our tickets at this well-located address in the inner city centre from the 8 to 26 January, on workdays from 15.00 until 18.00.
Please note that we cannot accept creditcards, cash only! The exact address: Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus, 1010 Wien, Akademiestraße 13. You can reach the ticket office via U1, U4; Straßenbahnen 1, 2, 62, 71, D, U2Z; Badner Bahn; Busse 3A, 4A, 59A; Regionalbus 360.
Photo: R. Ferrigato
Even as a child, I was inspired by the diaries of heroic explorers – Robert F. Scott and Fridtjof Nansen, who explored the North and South Poles, Alexander von Humboldt and Joseph de Jussieu, who traversed the deepest jungles, and Amelia Earhart and Heinrich Harrer, who ventured to the highest heights. Continue reading Carmen Possnig: Science as a voyage of discovery
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Science begins with the Word, which sets out in search of the truth. Truth is revealed to man in creation or, in other words, through the natural-scientific world, as atheistic schools of thought formulate it. Continue reading Adrian Goiginger: Tolerance, openness and inclusion