An experiment shows how quantum physics challenges our idea of reality – and what it means for new technologies. Nikolai Kiesel, head of the Quantum Systems research group at the University of Vienna, explains how invisible quantum processes make our world measurable – and how this could lead to the development of new, highly sensitive sensors.

Physics seeks to describe nature with impeccable precision, yet some theories do not quite fit together. The search for missing pieces to the puzzle takes us to the fringes of science. Three researchers ‒ from quantum science, particle physics, and mathematics ‒ told us how they are working to wrest knowledge from the mysteries of the very large and the very small.

On the occasion of Anton Zeilinger’s 80th birthday in May 2025, we look back on the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physics – a highlight of an extraordinary scientific career. A collection of videos, photos, interviews, and background information about this remarkable moment.

From Café Central to the University of Vienna, philosopher Martin Kusch takes us for a walk through Vienna's intellectual scenes. Examining how past philosophers like Wittgenstein worked through issues of their time, Kusch finds the tools to tackle troubles of our own. We discuss post-truth debates in the current political climate and the despair of unspeakable pain.

Indoor climbing is a popular and healthy workout. However, a new study found concerning levels of potentially harmful chemicals in the air of bouldering gyms. The source: climbing shoes. In the video, environmental scientists Anya Sherman and Thilo Hofmann explain their results.

As part of the current semester question, Thomas Juffmann, head of the Quantum Optics and Microscopy research group at the University of Vienna, explains how quantum physics has contributed to the development of modern microscopes with atomic resolution and how it could further improve them in the future.

Democracies are in crisis, wars are raging and the right-wing AfD party recently became the second-strongest party in Germany. Shouldn't we know better? We ask historian Walter Pohl why we hardly learn from history.

Peter Schweitzer came to the far north to study the Arctic’s transport infrastructure, but what he found was an increased number of militarised zones. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has left scars far beyond Europe, including the Arctic. We meet the anthropologist back in his office at the University of Vienna during a stop between travels.

Quantum research is not just changing our technological reality, but also our conception of reality itself. Časlav Brukner, quantum physicist at the University of Vienna, explains why we simply cannot speak of an existing reality prior to observation. What does this bizarre outcome mean for the nature of physical reality? Philosopher Anne Sophie Meincke offers some clues.