The "Environmental Research 2.0" project was successfully launched with a joint kick-off event at the Haus der Wildnis in Lunz. Pupils from six local schools get active with environmental research and modern technology. The focus is on regional forest and water ecosystems, which are explored as part of excursions, experiments, and research tasks. Using virtual reality experiences, citizen science apps, and AI-supported tools, participants learn how environmental research works, from data collection to result presentation.
The goal is to spark curiosity, promote scientific thinking, strengthen methodological skills, and create a deep awareness of ecological connections and sustainability.
A recent high-level award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the carp pond farming system in the Waldviertel region is deservedly being celebrated at WasserCluster Lunz as well: the uniquely European recognition of an aquaculture system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Over many years of scientific work, the LIPTOX group led by Martin Kainz has studied trophic interactions in the ponds using biochemical tracers (such as stable isotopes, lipids, etc.), investigated food webs, and provided solid support on the path to becoming a model region through the project TeichFit.
SCIence literacy BOaRd Game: The board game for science education has been designed as a new tool to improve the understanding of science in the field of informal youth education by WCL scientists as part of the INSE network with project partners from Greece and Romania (Share Education).
...and now available for download here!
For the second time in a row, we have the pleasure of celebrating the recognition of a dedicated summer intern’s report: Sarah Gassner’s account of her experiences at WasserCluster Lunz was awarded on March 13, 2025, at the Wiener Urania during a ceremony organized by the FFG. Congratulations – also to the three technicians who were responsible for the work instructions!
The 27th edition of our institute's biannual newsletter has been published.
Elmira Akbari successfully defended her PhD thesis 'Effects of particulate organic carbon supply on microbial nutrient uptake in streams under agricultural land use pressure' on 13 December. Her supervisor was Gabriele Weigelhofer. Congratulations to her!
Carina Leimhofer successfully defended her Master's thesis at the University of Vienna on December 13, 2024. Her research on 'Effects of Salinization on Freshwater Phytoplankton and Invasion by Prymnesium parvum' was supervised by Robert Ptacnik. Congratulations!