On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Long Night of Research attracted around 9,000 visitors to approximately 106 stations, transforming the University of Klagenfurt and the Lakeside Science and Technology Park into a vibrant and inspiring space for encounter between science and society.
In the spacious facilities of the inspire! Lab, the City Science Lab of the University of Klagenfurt presented its current research findings and key areas of work under the motto “How can we work together to make Klagenfurt more climate-friendly?” The goal of the City Science Lab is to actively drive the development of Klagenfurt toward a climate-neutral city, and to serve as a bridge between research/the university and urban society in developing innovative solutions for the future.
A multidisciplinary team brought a wide range of topics to life for visitors through interactive participatory stations:
- Under the title “KlimaFair – The Game”, the topic of climate justice in Klagenfurt was conveyed in a playful way through a meaning-based memory card game.
- Utopias for Klagenfurt were developed interactively using a city map and a chatbot.
- A detective game allowed children in particular to discover the principles of the circular economy through play.
- Together with Stadtwerke Klagenfurt, the topics of circular economy and energy security were presented. Among other things, students showcased solutions to sustainability-related challenges through a poster presentation.
- Under the title “Sustainable mobility on two wheels”, experiences with cycling around Klagenfurt were illustrated, and visitors were invited to contribute ideas for the design of cycling routes.
- The Smart Climate Lab introduced the “Digital Twin” of the city of Klagenfurt and provided insight into the lab’s activities in the areas of climate and environmental protection.
- The aspire! Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Competence was showcasing how entrepreneurial thinking can contribute to societal transformation. Programs such as the Changemaker Program, the SILC Ideas Competition, and initiatives in the area of civic engagement highlighted the many ways in which people can contribute their own ideas and actively participate in sustainable development.