News

"Mathematics explains the world"

How can life be quantified? And what can science reveal that remains hidden from the naked eye? The 14th European Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology at the University of Graz is dedicated to these questions. From 13 to 17 July, around 1,300 researchers from all over the world will gather on campus to discuss models, biological processes and the future of data-driven medicine. Klemens Fellner, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and a mathematician, talks about the language that explains the world

Desert sand, microplastics, cancer cells: David Clases awarded ERC grant for analytical method

Nanoparticles trapped in polar ice can reveal a great deal about the climate 100,000 years ago. Chemist David Clases is developing unique methods to analyse them in detail. He will now adapt these methods for use with larger particles in order to glean even more information about Earth’s history. The method can be used for a wide range of other purposes – for example, in medical diagnostics or the investigation of environmental pollution. Clases has been awarded a Proof-of-Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) for this work.

Getting even hotter: Researchers predict global warming of 1.7 degrees by 2027

While Europe is currently sweltering in the heat, global temperatures are also rising towards concerning record levels. In 2026, Earth’s surface air temperature is expected to reach 1.62 degrees, and in 2027 even 1.71 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The long-term temperature rise – an average over a 20-year period – is predicted to exceed the 1.5-degree threshold of the Paris Agreement as of 2026 already. For the first time, researchers at the University of Graz have been able to make such a forecast so far in advance. The intensifying El Niño climate event favors forecast skill and thereby facilitates a reliable computation.

More body awareness than a culture war

In Italy, sex education lessons will in future only be permitted with parental consent, and will be banned entirely in nurseries and primary schools. At the same time, Pride Month highlights why knowledge about the body, relationships, boundaries and diversity is important for young people. A study by the University of Graz shows how important knowledge about the body, contraception, relationship skills and protection against violence is

Survival strategies: How plants respond to drought

According to Geosphere Austria, this spring was the driest in Austria since records began around 170 years ago. The low rainfall put particular pressure on the agricultural sector. And climate change is set to make the situation even worse in the coming decades. We asked Johannes Liesche, a professor at the Department of Biology at the University of Graz, how plants react to water shortages and how they survive periods of drought.

Noise is the signal: new simulation method enables secure communication

Researchers from Graz, Vienna and Munich have developed a new simulation method that makes it possible to calculate quantum light using classical software – a step towards secure quantum communication.

From one to many: Uni Graz researchers identify a mechanism for the origin of species

When a habitat changes, animals, plants and even humans must adapt to the new environmental conditions. Those who manage this fastest and best will prevail. Over time, new species that are specialised for specific habitats also develop. Zoologist Christian Sturmbauer and his research group at the University of Graz, together with international partners, have now demonstrated that the molecular biological process of “alternative splicing” – contrary to previous assumptions – contributes highly effectively to the formation of new species. Different combinations of parts of the same gene give rise to various, structurally slightly different variants of functional proteins. This leads very rapidly to significant changes. The research findings were published in the renowned journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Building biological bridges: Chemist discovers an ecological tool for the pharmaceutical industry

Building a relationship on a solid foundation is also important in chemistry. To produce medicines, disinfectants or plant protection products, stable bonds between carbon atoms must be formed. Conventional chemical methods rely on environmentally harmful reagents and solvents to carry out the desired reaction. This process also produces unusable by-products. Chemist Lilla Gal has discovered an enzyme that enables the same process to take place efficiently and sustainably. The results of her research were recently published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie.

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On the trail of the Big Bang: University of Graz receives 1.5 million euros for doctoral programmes

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Teamwork: 100 pupils take part in maths competition at the University of Graz

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

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

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