Lange Nacht der Forschung 2026 Holzleitner, Hanke and Hattmannsdorfer present the programme
Experience science, research and innovation up close at the Lange Nacht der Forschung 2026 (Long Night of Research 2026): a diverse programme with over 3,000 events and free admission across Austria.
At the Long Night of Research on 24 April 2026, visitors of all ages can embark on a journey through the world of science and research. The diverse programme was presented by Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister Peter Hanke and Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer at a press conference.
Under the motto “Join in. Marvel. Discover”, the Long Night of Research transforms the whole of Austria into a stage for science and innovation. More than 300 venues across Austria, ranging from renowned educational and research institutions to research-based companies, will open their doors and invite visitors of all ages to enjoy a varied programme. Between 5.00 pm and 11.00 pm, you can look forward to hands-on stations, experiments, quizzes, science shows, exhibitions, guided tours, panel discussions with experts and much more. This will allow you to experience first-hand the latest findings and forward-looking developments from nine thematic areas: digitalisation, energy, society, health, culture, natural sciences, technology, the environment and the economy.
Learn more about technological innovations, marvel at experiments, discover artificial intelligence applications, or immerse yourself in the fascinating world of science – from A for atoms to Z for futurology – the Long Night of Research offers an exciting journey through a wide variety of disciplines and impressively demonstrates just how diverse and practical research is today. Admission is free.
“The Long Night of Research brings science and research to where they belong: at the heart of society. Our aim is to make scientific work visible and allow visitors to experience it first-hand. At the ‘Research in the Centre’ venue on Maria-Theresien-Platz and at the Natural History Museum Vienna, we at the BMFWF, together with the BMIMI and BMWET, are presenting a varied programme and thereby sending a clear message: we want to spark curiosity, promote dialogue and sustainably strengthen people’s trust in science. Science and democracy need one another, and both thrive on being close to the people,” said Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research.
At the ‘Research in the Centre’ site of the three ministries – BMFWF, BMIMI and BMWET – on Maria-Theresien-Platz, as well as at the Natural History Museum Vienna, visitors can look forward to a variety of interactive stations and an entertaining stage programme. A particular highlight of the programme is the presentation of the “Heinz Oberhummer Award for Outstanding Science Communication” by the Science Busters, which this year goes to the British writer, comedian and radio and television presenter Sandi Toksvig.
Minister for Innovation Peter Hanke emphasises: “Research and innovation not only help to improve our lives; they are also the driving forces behind Austria as a business location and the creation of new jobs. In our industrial strategy, we have therefore deliberately defined nine key technologies and areas of strength in which Austria is already a world leader or has the potential to become one. The Long Night of Research offers the opportunity to get to know many of these first-hand and to experience how scientific findings are turned into concrete applications. The Long Night of Research is a successful event because it offers innovation you can touch and provides direct insights into laboratories, projects and future technologies.”
“Research and development are not only key drivers of technological innovation, but also of economic growth and new jobs. They safeguard Austria’s international competitiveness and strengthen our country’s position as an attractive business location for companies and investment. “Austria needs creative minds who develop new ideas, drive technological breakthroughs and thereby secure jobs, value creation and the competitiveness of our business location,” adds Minister for Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmansdorfer.