Why BE OPEN?
The Austrian Science Fund FWF took its 50th anniversary as an opportunity to launch the “BE OPEN — Science & Society Festival” together with partners from science, research, business and society. The festival invited the public to be curious, join in and learn more about basic research.
A cross-section of Austria‘s best researchers and their teams gave an insight into their pioneering work. Future issues facing science and society were discussed in a dialogue arena. An extensive programme for children, families and schools offered young people the opportunity to dive into the world of basic research.
With this festival, the FWF aimed to strengthen confidence in science and emphasize the importance of basic research. The festival aroused curiosity in top research, was the prelude to new collaborations with stakeholders and cast the spotlight on European cooperation.
We are delighted to have had more than 30,000 visitors on site and hundreds of thousands of readers, listeners and viewers of the radio and TV broadcasts. Our thanks go to all participating researchers, partner organisations and sponsors. Together we have succeeded in setting a clear signal for top research in Austria.
The Executive Board of the Science Fund