News

Graduated 50 years ago: Golden Doctorate for alumni of the University of Graz

56 graduates of the University of Graz who earned their doctorates 50 years ago renewed their doctoral oath during a ceremony in the auditorium on 18 November 2025. Rector Peter Riedler and Vice-Rector Catherine Walter-Laager awarded the jubilarians their "golden doctoral diplomas".

Bio-plastics and baroque theatre: Awards for two researchers from the University of Graz

Chemist Katalin Barta Weissert received this year's "Forschungspreis des Landes Steiermark", while Germanist Christian Neuhuber received the "Erzherzog-Johann-Forschungspreis". The awards are endowed with 12,000 euros each and are presented for outstanding achievements in the field of science and research. Provincial Councillor Willibald Ehrenhöfer presented the awards on 7 November 2025 in the White Hall of Graz Castle.

EU supports team led by molecular biologist Brigitte Pertschy with around ten million euro

The European Research Council (ERC) is funding the snoOPERA project with around ten million euros to research the structure of cellular protein factories. The four researchers involved want to clarify how tiny RNA-protein complexes control the formation of ribosomes—a key to understanding diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

Maths made easy: how gaming elements motivate children to practise

Where does the six belong on a number line from one to ten? This task is a challenge for children with dyscalculia. For fear of failure, many are reluctant to tackle the exercise in the first place. A playful approach can remove this obstacle and give the affected pupils more self-confidence, as psychologist Manuel Ninaus found out in a study.

Sebastian Preissl researches mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases

They are among the most common causes of death worldwide: cardiovascular diseases. Both genetic factors and lifestyle can be responsible for changes in the cells of the heart, thereby impairing the function of the organ. Sebastian Preissl, who has been Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Graz for a year, is researching how molecular mechanisms alter gene activity and what role this plays in the development of diseases.

Preserving natural heritage: International student group learns in open-air laboratory

How can the age of trees be determined? Which plants grow where, and how do satellites and remote sensing sensors help with mapping? How are birdsong and forest structure related? How can I collect environmental DNA to learn about biodiversity? Students from Austria, Germany and Italy explored these and other questions last week in the Gesäuse and Kalkalpen National Parks. They collected data, evaluated it and documented the results in reports. Experts from the participating universities and national parks accompanied them.

Green Academia Award for Earth Sciences, Business Administration and History

A high number of publications in prestigious research journals in combination with climate-friendly behaviour when it comes to international business trips – researchers from the Earth Sciences at the University of Graz best fulfilled this requirement last year. For this, they were presented with the Green Academia Award 2025 on 22 September. As winners, the scientific discipline received 50,000 euros. Business administration came in second place, receiving 20,000 euros, History in third place, receiving 10,000 euros. The prize money is intended be used for research and teaching projects that promote climate protection and sustainability.

Reich an Vielfalt: Botanischer Garten gewinnt Wettbewerb zu wildlebenden Arten

Der Botanische Garten der Universität Graz ist nicht nur eine der schönsten Oasen der Stadt. Die 2,8 Hektar große Fläche gehört auch zu den wertvollsten Lebensräumen für wildlebende Tier-, Pflanzen- und Pilzarten. Das bestätigt der Sieg bei der Aktion „Bioblitz Botanischer Gärten“, initiiert vom Verband Botanischer Gärten (VBG), an der insgesamt 36 Botanische Gärten im deutschsprachigen Raum teilgenommen haben. 1929 Wildarten wurden am Areal in der Schubertstraße im vergangenen Juni entdeckt. Auf den Plätzen zwei und drei landeten die Botanischen Gärten der Universitäten Berlin und Bonn.

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