Q. – for Questions
Q. fosters curiosity. A hub for science communication where visitors overcome their fear of being at a loss for words and pluck up the courage to ask questions. In doing so, they delve into research topics, only to realise afterwards that there are no stupid questions – only those that, regrettably, remain unasked.
Interface for Science and Society
From 2027, science communication will have a new physical home. A new centre for science communication is being created in the former ‘Aula der Wissenschaften’; acting as an interface between research and society, it invites people to ask questions in order to foster dialogue on an equal footing.
In December 2024, the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the University of Vienna and the Vienna University of Technology – together with the then Federal Minister for Education and Research, Martin Polaschek – laid the foundation stone for the Q.
Our team
Christopher Lindinger
Founding Director & CEO
christopher.lindinger(at)scicom.center
Bernadette Decristoforo
Head of Finance, People & Organization (pp.)
bernadette.decristoforo(at)scicom.center
Lisa Alexandra Pichler
Executive Assistant
lisa.alexandra.pichler(at)scicom.center
Manuela Holzmayer
Administration
manuela.holzmayer(at)scicom.center
Bernhard Widl
EventManagement
bernhard.widl(at)scicom.center
Mark Marginean
Facility Management
mark.marginean(at)scicom.center
Diana Gregor-Patera
Head of Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship
diana.gregor-patera(at)scicom.center
Hanna
Möller
Communications
hanna.moeller(at)scicom.center
Barbara
Metzl
Sponsoring &
Fundraising
barbara.metzl(at)scicom.center
Jürgen Öhlinger
Head of Exhibitions
juergen.oehlinger(at)scicom.center
Bernhard Böhm
Content Development & Grants Management
bernhard.boehm(at)scicom.center
Linnéa Richter
Exhibit Development
linnea.richter(at)scicom.center
Lisa Krammer
Exhibit Development
lisa.krammer(at)scicom.center
Ellice Jachek
Exhibit Development
ellice.jachek(at)scicom.center
Jana Schwarz
Education & School Partnerships
jana.schwarz(at)scicom.center
Sponsoring organisations
Q. marks the creation of a new beacon of science communication in Austria. The initiative is jointly led by the University of Vienna, the Technical University of Vienna, and the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Eva-Maria Holzleitner
Federal Minister for Women,
Science and Research
“Science needs to engage with society in order to realise its full impact. Especially for the next generation, we want to make science tangible and accessible – in spaces that spark curiosity, encourage dialogue and foster inspiration.”
Christoph Wiederkehr
Federal Minister for Education
“Q. will be a place where curiosity is not only welcome but central. Questions are the starting point of every scientific discovery – and that is precisely what we will make visible and tangible here. The new Science Communication Centre will encourage young people to question, to explore and to think for themselves.”
Sebastian Schütze
Rector of the University of Vienna
“Science depends on broad acceptance and recognition within society. Together, we want above all to inspire young people with science and research.”
Jens Schneider
Rector of the Technical
University of Vienna
“An effective platform for bringing science closer to a diverse audience and explaining its importance for society.”
Heinz Faßmann
President of the Austrian Academy
of Sciences
“With special exhibitions, hands-on labs and interactive elements, we want to spark greater interest in science and research and strengthen their acceptance across society.”