News

Cycling Adventure: Guest reseacher Gregory Kopp Tours Austria

During his stay as a guest researcher at the University of Graz, Gregory Kopp embarked on an impressive five-day bike tour: from Lienz over the Großglockner High Alpine Road, through Zell am See, into Berchtesgaden and to Königsee in Germany, then through Salzburg and along the lakes to the east, and finally south to Hallstatt. Covering more than 340 km and about 6,000 meters of elevation, this route took him through some of Austria’s most stunning scenery.

Surprise, spectacle, science: Astrophysicists observed a partial solar eclipse

The star of the show was the sun, and the programme featured a natural spectacle: the partial solar eclipse on the evening of 12 August 2026 drew crowds to Graz’s Schloßberg. The ‘sun-downer’ was accompanied by a dash of science from astrophysicists at the University of Graz.

Book launch by Professor Arnold Hanslmeier at Graz City Hall on 29. April 2026

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