The courage for basic research

Reflections from Hans Sünkel, former Rector of TU Graz and chairman of the supervisory board of the Austrian Science Fund, on science and research. Armed conflicts, streams of refugees, financial crisis and such like - in view of these worrying developments should we, may we, think aloud at all about topics such as the future of science or should we instead be putting all our energy into solving the problems of the present? We may and should do the one, but not ignore the second. As a true Styrian, one should remember Archduke Johann not only gladly and with respect, but also gratefully. Because he recognised very early on that the best investment in the future of a society is the education of its young people. And he also recognised that progress with sustainable impact needs research. He gave our state of Styria a future and taught us to be proud of it. He helped Styria achieve a remarkable economic upturn and yet stay down to earth - thus foreseeing Theodore Roosevelt's recommendation: "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." Competence, kooperation, competition.