Austrian Science Day 2025 in Tyrol
The event is dedicated to understanding the historical origins of democratic participation - from the ideas of Michael Heismayr, one of the 16th century harbingers of equality and civic responsibility, to the contemporary challenges facing European civil society in an era of war and geopolitical crises.
October 23–24, 2025, University of Innsbruck
Program and key topics
On the first day of the conference, October 23, the opening will begin with welcoming remarks by the Rector of the University of Innsbruck, Veronica Sexsel, the Tyrolean Government Representative for Science, Cornelia Hegele, and the President of the ÖFG, Emil Brix.
The first lecture will be given by historian Robert Rebitich (“Michael Heismayr – Rebel, Social Revolutionary or Utopian Thinker?”), followed by a discussion with Professor Martin Schennach.
The evening will combine literature and social dialogue – a reading and a panel “Civil Society and Literature”, moderated by Kurt Scharr and Andrea Zink.
Ukrainian poet Marianna Kiyanovska will be one of the central figures of the literary panel, representing Ukrainian culture in the context of the contemporary European conversation about memory, war and human dignity.
Day Two: War, Law and Civic Responsibility
On October 24, the discussion will be opened by Professor Brigitte Mazol, and the first panel will focus on the topic “Civil Society and International Law”.
Professor Walter Obwexer (Innsbruck) will outline the role of civic initiatives in preserving legal principles, and Ukrainian speaker Oksana Matiychuk (Yu. Fedkovych Chernivtsi University) will present a report “Our Front Line, Our Responsibility: The Role of Civil Society in Ukraine’s War against Russia”.
The meeting will continue with the topics “Civil Society in Exile: The Organization “Memorial”” (speaker — Marit Kremer, Karlsruhe) and “Civil Society and Religion” (Kathrin Dormandy, Innsbruck).
In this way, a historical perspective will be combined with the current challenges of war, repression and democracy, creating a space for understanding solidarity and mutual support.
Ukrainian speakers — Marianna Kiyanovska and Oksana Matiychuk — present voices that directly testify to the strength of civil society in times of crisis.
Program and registration at the link