2024-08-15 22:00:00
Research Insights: The new Open Science Center at the Konrad Lorenz Research Center at the University of Vienna will provide a wealth of information for those interested in science.
The Konrad Lorenz Research Center of the University of Vienna (KLF) in Grünau, Upper Austria, is about to establish a center for open science – a groundbreaking ceremony was held recently. Starting in 2025, science enthusiasts of all ages will be able to see first-hand the research conducted by biologists. At KLF, animal behavior is studied using evolutionary, phylogenetic, mechanistic and developmental methods. The focus is on observing tagged specimens in the wild. The aim is to study which behaviors ensure a survival advantage in the animal world.
KLF Center for Open Science: Connecting Science and Society
this KLF Center for Open Science It should be created as a center for collaboration between science, education, business and society and expand the scope of existing services. “The Open Science Center will make science accessible to everyone, promote communication with society, and thus make an important contribution to the training of young talents,” explains Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna. The new Open Science Center is funded by the State of Upper Austria, the University of Vienna and the Cumberland Wildlife Park in Grünau. Making science accessible to everyone is a priority: “Open Science is an indispensable element in bringing science closer to society. With the new Open Science Center we are creating a place to teach science, strengthen collaboration and promote free access A place of knowledge,” said Ronald Maier, Vice-President for Digitalization and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Vienna.
At the new science center, students and teachers will offer a variety of different programs throughout the year – especially for school groups. For example, science holiday activities for kids are planned during the holidays. Students should also benefit from the new research center: future biology teachers will have the opportunity to write bachelor’s and master’s theses there. People interested in science can participate in citizen science projects. In addition, Science Café is held four times a year, during which discussions with experts are held. “Our aim is clear: we promote connections with nature and support practical science and nature-based activities for all ages,” says KLF Director Sonia Kleindorfer. The Biologicum Almtal also has a new home at the Open Science Center.
Almtal in Traunviertel in Upper Austria aims to become a biodiversity demonstration area
The Almtal should become a showcase project in the future, as Kleindorfer explains: “We want to make the Almtal a model region in terms of biodiversity and environmental protection.” Konrad Lorenz Research One of the center’s findings so far: Scientists there have found that songbird populations in the Almtal – like elsewhere in Europe – are in sharp decline. Now they hope to give in: “We are currently testing with local landowners whether changing the mowing rhythm will increase insect numbers and thus have a positive impact on songbirds,” the KLF leader said.
Measuring the effects of street noise on reproductive behavior
Noise pollution was also a focus: “We also measured whether street noise pollution had a negative impact on the breeding behavior of birds. If we provided these results, landowners promised us that they would mow their grass differently because communities would Seeking lower speed limits.
Greylag geese are also closely monitored by researchers at the Konrad Lorenz Research Center. Kleindorfer: “This means we have comprehensive information about the success of each individual and its offspring – and have had it for 50 years. This attention to detail is unparalleled when studying wildlife species.”
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