Long Night of Research 2026 - a great success!

For the second time, the University of Vienna Biology Building (UBB) took part in the Lange Nacht der Forschung (#LNF) – and with more than 1,500 visitors, the building was buzzing throughout the evening. Once again organised in collaboration with the Vienna BioCenter, the event brought together our researchers to introduce the public to life sciences research in action.

The event explored key questions in modern biology, from evolution and animal behaviour to the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. A wide range of hands-on activities invited visitors to engage directly with research: peering through microscopes, discovering microorganisms, practising sampling techniques on a crocodile model, and joining interactive stations on biodiversity and the environment. Guests could watch sea anemones hunt, smash walnuts, build archaea from playdough, and create seed bombs to take home.

Among the evening’s highlights, researcher and author Angela Stöger spoke about her book "Elefanten", offering fascinating insights into animal cognition. An immersive pub quiz on primatology challenged visitors to test their knowledge of our closest relatives, while guided tours of the Aqualab, the research greenhouse, and the library provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at UBB’s facilities.

The LNF offered a valuable opportunity to connect with a curious and diverse audience, and to share the excitement and relevance of life sciences research. Check out our full programme at the Vienna BioCenter here and discover more stations (including more from the faculty) here!

A big thank you to everyone who contributed – from those who spent hours developing engaging stations to all who joined and helped create such a lively atmosphere.