Projects

Every week, scilog features an exemplary project funded by the FWF. The presentations shed light on scientific questions and report on recent insights gained in basic research. The projects not only reflect the great variety of scientific disciplines, but also the range of support options offered by the Austrian Science Fund.

Projects

How data is changing our cities

Streets populated by autonomous cars, heated pavements and hundreds of sensors that monitor movement and air quality in the public domain. Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, had plans to make the Quayside neighbourhood in downtown Toronto the epitome of a smart city. Although the project was cancelled in May 2020 owing to […] Continue reading “How data is changing our cities”

Projects

The role of religion in the Russian “culture war”

In recent years, the Russian Orthodox Church has tried to become an international influencer propagating conservative moral values. This is the research finding of Kristina Stoeckl, a sociologist of religion. Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, many religiously inspired right-wing groups distanced themselves from Moscow at least for the time being. It remains to be seen […] Continue reading “The role of religion in the Russian “culture war””

Projects

Improving fire predictions

Forest fires contribute to biodiversity, and in many regions of the world they are an element of land use. Major and long-lasting fires are a health risk, however, costing lives, resulting in the loss of assets and affecting the global carbon cycle. A team of German and Austrian researchers are investigating the human impact on […] Continue reading “Improving fire predictions”
Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel presents the draft budget for 2022.

Projects

Balancing the budget discourse

Governments in the Eurozone have the challenging task of both using the national budget for the benefit of their constituents and complying with fiscal policy guidelines set by international institutions. The political scientist Johannes Karremans is examining the justifications given for government spending in five countries between 2008 and 2020. Together with the introduction of […] Continue reading “Balancing the budget discourse”