The University of Vienna is the largest Austrian research institution hosting 6,800 academics within 15 faculties and five centers, dedicated to both basic and applied research. Furthermore, 16 research platforms have been established to promote especially innovative interdisciplinary research projects. The University also houses the greatest amount of research infrastructure in Austria (https://forschungsinfrastruktur.bmwfw.gv.at/en). and provides a full range of project management support services to project staff through the Research Services and Finance Departments, in addition to specific support services e.g. ethics and Open Access. Early career researchers receive particular support for public engagement activities. The Research Services and Career Development department offers a variety of public engagement training and transferable skills courses, including workshops on social media for researchers, science slams and podcasts. These training opportunities are offered in cooperation with local stakeholders such as the Science-Center Network. For early career researchers, the University of Vienna also regularly organizes science communication activities in cooperation with Austrian media (e.g. the photo competition “My research in one Picture” in cooperation with the national newspaper Falter). The University also actively supports both early career and senior researchers in designing and realizing their own public engagement projects. This includes facilitating contact to external partners such as the Technical Museum Vienna and local TV stations
Polyxeni Bozatzi
Local Project Manager