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.
The dominant impression we have of the Byzantine Empire is that it was a rigid, traditional and luxurious culture. A project on marginalization funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF now shows there were also phases of tolerance towards marginalized groups. This throws a new light on the historical development of this culture in terms […] Continue reading “Byzantium: new insights into marginalized groups”
The assets that refugees who fled Austria during the Second World War were able to take with them were mostly just experience and a good education. Combined with the pioneering spirit of these individuals, these qualities have made a lasting impact on the culture and economy of many countries, as contemporary historian Philipp Strobl demonstrates […] Continue reading “The cultural capital of refugees”
Martin Dolezal is the first researcher to investigate forms of political protest on a variety of issues in Austria between 1998 and 2016. The political scientist is screening press releases published by the Austrian Press Agency. In an international comparison, Austrian society is less sluggish than its reputation would suggest when it comes to protests. […] Continue reading “What makes Austrians raise a protest”
A research group from Vienna developed a detailed model to identify impacts of different factors on regional knowledge creation and thus on the innovative capacity of regions. The results are intended to assist policymakers in their decisions. Continue reading “Where innovation develops”
Learn history by heart or challenge accepted truths? Funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a project on history education shows that history lessons in grades 6 to 8 still aim at teaching content rather than skills. What is more, the full potential of history textbooks often remains untapped. Continue reading “History skills need more fostering”
In a project financed by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a research group from Innsbruck investigated how companies involve employees and also outsiders in their strategy development and what effects such involvement has. It speeds things up. Continue reading “Businesses benefit from more democracy”
While searching for biological markers for suicide risk, a Viennese research team has gained new insights into the relationship between environmental factors and genetics. Traumatic childhood experiences play an essential role and leave traces in the brain. Continue reading “The genetics of suicide risk”
With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, an interdisciplinary Vienna-based team is investigating the nature of carbonaceous particles that play a key role in the formation of ice clouds. These “ice nuclei” act as catalysts inducing the phase change from water to ice. Understanding the process leading to such ice clouds is an […] Continue reading “The formation of ice clouds”
Autobiographies as a source are often viewed with scepticism in theatre research. A project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF has now demonstrated their value. Such self-portrayals dating from before 1945 provide new perspectives on German-speaking theatre. Continue reading “Self-portrayal as a source of knowledge”
In a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a research group from Graz was able to demonstrate the efficacy of an active substance known from Traditional Chinese Medicine against black skin cancer. Continue reading “Medicinal plants yield a new active substance against skin cancer”