Last Sunday, June 15th, the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg once again opened its doors for the Open Campus 2025. Even though it was a bright sunny day, more than 1,800 visitors opted out of swimming trips to experience science and bright researchers in close-up. Luckily, the rain held off until Monday, making it a fantastic Sun-day for guests as well as researchers and staff of ISTA.
Scientific experiences and entertainment for all
From noon on, visitors turned into lay researchers at various interactive stations spread across the campus. A special children’s program entertained youngsters with activities like a tattoo station. Visitors could enjoy a variety of international cuisines from numerous food trucks. This year’s Open Campus design focused on accessibility: six science shows were interpreted into Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS), exhibition texts were provided in simple language, and special offers ensured participation for visitors with disabilities.
Forty lab tours
Our lab tours, offered in both German and English, were particularly popular. A total of 40 groups took 13 different tours, providing personal insights into the world of ISTA and science. On the "Lego at the Microscale" tour, guests explored microscopically small structures as they ’played’ in the microworld. During the "Wonderful World of Zebrafish" tour, fascinating developmental processes of these animals were highlighted. Guests could observe the impressive worm C. elegans under a microscope in the "Worming Our Way to Discovery" tour. The "Visit the Laboratory Mice" tour offered insights into animal care and associated international standards. An exclusive tour through the scientific computing center revealed how massive data and advanced hardware propel ISTA’s research.
In the "Cells On the Move" laboratory tour, participants had the chance to work with immune cells and conduct a mini-experiment themselves. Additional tours guided visitors through ISTA’s impressive microscopy departments. A walk titled "Towards the Quantum Internet" illustrated the challenges and advancements in connecting quantum computers. The biodiversity tour across the ISTA campus emphasized the importance of various plant and animal species for ecological balance.
Science shows and exciting lectures
This year’s Open Campus featured a diverse program of shows. Notable highlights included the "Crazy Chemistry Show" with Stefanie Allworth , the "Lord of the Physics Rings Show" with Bernhard Weingartner , the "Astronomy Talk" with Jorryt Matthee , and a Science Slam. For the youngest visitors, starting at age 4, special tailored offerings included "Chemistry to Marvel at" and the "Magical Physics Mini-Show."
ISTA is already looking forward to the next Open Campus event and to welcoming numerous guests again in June 2026. For science fans, it is also worth noting that a Science Festival is taking place on the first weekend of October this year to celebrate the opening of the VISTA Science Experience Center on the ISTA campus. Until then, ISTA’s science education VISTA continues to offer various science outreach programs, detailed on www.vistascience.at.
