News

Crystal-clear: AI method revolutionises solar observation

The Sun makes life on Earth possible. However, its magnetic fields can also cause massive disruption. This makes it all the more important to gain a better understanding of the processes taking place on our nearest star. A research team from the University of Graz and the High Altitude Observatory in Boulder (USA) has succeeded in doing just that. The astrophysicists have developed an AI-supported method that makes even the smallest structures on the Sun visible. The scientists are convinced that this will bring about a lasting change in solar observation and that the new method can be used for the planned European Solar Telescope.

Outstanding researchers honoured with the Josef Krainer Science Prize

On 15 March 2026, twelve researchers were awarded the Josef Krainer Science Prizes at the Meerscheinschlössl at the University of Graz. The prizes recognise outstanding scientific achievements in disciplines such as biotechnology, physics and law – eight of the twelve awards went to women.

Accelerated communication with the Kanzelhöhe: solar observatory moves closer to the university

From mid-December, the train journey from Graz to Villach will be reduced to just over an hour. This faster railway connection through the Koralm Tunnel will also bring the Kanzelhöhe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research closer. Although this unique research station at 1500 metres above sea level is located on the Carinthian Gerlitzen, it has been part of the University of Graz for more than 75 years.

PhD Candidate Greta Cappello Awarded the 2025 Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Greta Cappello, a PhD candidate at the Institute of Physics, University of Graz, under the supervision of Prof. Manuela Temmer, has been awarded the 2025 Amelia Earhart Fellowship by Zonta International. The fellowship was formally presented last weekend in Aschaffenburg by Dr. Jutta Trube, Governor of Zonta District 14, and Ing. Petra Hackenberg-Wiedl from the Zonta Club Ingolstadt. This prestigious recognition supports Zonta’s mission to advance equality and create a world of better opportunities for women and girls.

Ist da draußen wer? Alexander Shapiro forscht jenseits der Grenzen unseres Sonnensystems

Astrophysicist Isabell Piantschitsch receives Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship

Astrophysicist Isabell Piantschitsch from the University of Graz has been awarded the prestigious and interdisciplinary CINET Grant for Neuroscience and the Humanities by the Tatiana Foundation in Spain. As part of this fellowship, she will begin work in January 2026 at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) on her research project titled "Causality and Epistemic Opacity in Deep Neural Networks."

Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award of the EGU to Karin Dissauer

The 2025 Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award of the Solar-Terrestrial Sciences Division of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) has been awarded to Karin Dissauer for her outstanding research in solar and extra-solar space weather research. The award was presented at the EGU General Assembly that took place in Vienna from 2025 April 27 to May 2 and that gathered more than 20,000 scientists from 120 countries. As the award laudatio highlights:

Panel discussion with AI experts from the University of Graz

The panel discussion with AI experts from the fields of physics, philosophy, art, and human resource management is the final event of the AI project DELPHI, led by Isabell Piantschitsch. By choosing the Stieglerhaus in St. Stefan ob Stainz as the venue for the discussion, the aim is to provide an especially accessible and low-threshold opportunity for people living in more rural areas who are interested in scientific and societal issues related to AI.