There are 60,000 texts stored in the basement of the Vienna Hofburg palace – on papyrus and clay fragments. A large part of them hold accounts of the early days of Islam in Egypt. For two decades, the papyrologist Federico Morelli has been vetting these historical testimonials, gaining insights into processes that contradict accepted historical […] Continue reading “A gigantic jigsaw puzzle”
For years, a team of researchers from Vienna has been working on the early works of Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931) in a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF. Generating a wealth of material that prompts new questions, this large publication project has funnelled the work of the Austrian writer into the digital age. Continue reading “At Arthur Schnitzler’s desk”
With the support of the FWF, a team of archaeologists from the Czech Republic and Austria evaluated early medieval finds from the region around the modern-day border between the two countries. As it turns out, the regions of Weinviertel and Moravia enjoyed close exchanges for centuries and benefited from being at the periphery of regional […] Continue reading “The border area as a space for innovation”
After the decline of Communism, new museums dedicated to the Second World War were established in many EU countries in East-Central and South Eastern Europe. A comparison made within a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF shows that more empathy is needed to bridge the gap between us and them. Continue reading “Conflict-laden grey areas of memory”
A research team from Graz simulated creative thought processes using a computer and investigated the role played by creativity in the way people use digital media. First results indicate that those who think outside the box get more out of the web, even though personalised search recommendations make access to new information more difficult. Continue reading “Escaping the (mental) echo chamber”
Is there such a thing as objective morality? And what do philosophical laypeople think about this idea? These are questions explored by the philosopher Thomas Pölzler from Graz. At the College of Charleston, Schrödinger fellow Pölzler produced exciting results on this issue, implemented new research ideas and, last but not least, learned a great deal […] Continue reading “Now tell me, how do you feel about morality?”
In 16th century England, exchanging information about certain substances, such as pigments, helped the two disciplines of art and medicine to become more professional. At the time, knowledge about cosmetic products also constituted an integral part of natural science know-how. Continue reading “Colour – a link between art and medicine”
On the Greek island of Samothrace, a team of researchers from Vienna have been investigating the interaction between human society and nature in order to prevent the collapse of the system. In this context, many local processes have been initiated to ensure a sustainable future for the island community. Continue reading “Waste, goats and a research project”
In the past, research on coalition governments in Central and Eastern Europe was limited to looking at how they begin and end. An international team of experts has now been the first to explore how they behave while in office. Instability and the strong influence of the party system are characteristic of Eastern European countries. Continue reading “How to form a coalition (and get it right)?”
The establishment of scientific knowledge is often associated with controversies. There is, however, little appreciation of the importance of emotions in this context. With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the political scientist Anna Durnová has now analysed the role of emotions in various discourses starting with Semmelweis’s discovery till “post-truth”. Continue reading “Emotions are always part of the truth”