VISTA Science Center opens: Experience science up close!

VISTA Science Center opens: Experience science up close!

On October 2, 2025, the VISTA Science Experience Center was officially opened at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg. In her speech, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the immense importance of science communication and the Lower Austrian “Nobel Prize Mission”, which aims to promote top performance, bright minds and talent through targeted investments in science and research. She wants VISTA to become a place of curiosity for families and to strengthen trust in science.

LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf emphasized how important it is to get young people excited about research while at the same time ensuring the freedom of science. Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner also described the new center as an important step towards involving citizens in scientific results. She emphasized that cutting-edge research should be accessible to all, and the VISTA Center aims to realize this vision by reimagining science education and engaging visitors of all ages.

Innovative communication formats

ISTA President Martin Hetzer explained that since its founding in 2009, ISTA has been imparting knowledge to increase understanding and trust in science. Gaia Novarino, the Vice President for Science Communication, aims to promote understanding of scientific connections through VISTA. Christian Bertsch, who heads VISTA, is planning innovative formats such as exhibitions and workshops to make science more accessible.

The opening will be celebrated with a three-day Opening Festival from October 3rd to 5th, which offers free entry and a varied program. The first exhibition entitled “Science in the Making – How is the knowledge of tomorrow created?” is dedicated to research in areas such as neuroscience, climate research, quantum physics and artificial intelligence.

VISTA Science Experiences

In advance of the center opening, ISTA started the “VISTA Science Experiences” program on October 18, 2023. The goal of this program is to stimulate interest in research and promote understanding of scientific processes. The offers are aimed at children, young people and adults and are available in a variety of formats: on site, in parks, schools, youth centers and digitally. The activities are comprehensive on the site www.vistascience.at documented.

The new Science Experience Center will have 1,500 m² of space and include an auditorium, exhibition areas, learning and maker spaces and a coffee bar. Planned activities include interactive exhibitions, workshops, science clubs and a research gallery. Last year, ISTA's Science Education team conducted 10,000 direct interactions with students, a significant increase compared to 500 interactions the year before.

In a broader Austrian context, education and science are highly valued. Innovative study programs are offered at institutions such as the Karl Franzens University of Graz or the Graz University of Technology, while the Medical University of Graz impresses with its comprehensive training offerings. These developments illustrate the important role that education and targeted science communication play in society.

In summary, the VISTA Science Experience Center is not only a place of learning and discovery, but also represents a significant element in the strategy to promote science education and increase trust in scientific knowledge.

Further information can be found in the reports from nö.gv.at, ist.ac.at and bmeia.gv.at to find.