“The Vienna Ball of Sciences is an important event to present and strengthen the Austrian capital of Vienna as an excellent centre of knowledge. To me as the Federal Minister for Education, but also as a woman working in the scientific community for quite a long time, it is especially pleasing, that this ball enables two important aspects: On the one hand side, it presents research to people interested in this field in a very manifold and fascinating way, on the other hand, scientists from various disciplines get together. Importantly, we need to present Austria as a cosmopolitan and liveable centre for scientific research, which is perfectly accomplished with this event, as the ball shows, that Vienna is dancing in the front row on the international parquet floor of education and research. Science and waltz – only Vienna offers this unique combination!”

Sonja Hammerschmid is Federal Minister for Education, since May 2016. Until then, the molecular biologist was Rector of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and formerly active in research and research management.

Photo: BKA/Andy Wenzel