The Conference venue is located at the address indicated here below:
University of Vienna
Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring
Vienna 1010
Austria
On March 12, 1365 Duke Rudolph IV (“the Founder”) established the Alma Mater Rudolphina Vindobonensis on the model of the famous universities in Italy and France. The mediaeval university was closely connected with the Church. It was not until the university reforms under Maria Theresia and Joseph II that the Church was forced to relinquish some of its power.
As a result of the 1848 Revolution, the University attained academic freedom. The principle “freedom of research and research-based education” has been legally guaranteed ever since 1867. In the period up to World War I, the “Viennese Schools” gained worldwide renown in many a discipline. Numerous new institute buildings were erected. In the late 19th century the architect Heinrich von Ferstel designed the Main Building of the University of Vienna as an impressive Renaissance palace. As of 1897, women were also admitted to study at the University of Vienna.
Following the National Socialist takeover, many students and teachers were excluded from the university, particularly people of Jewish origin – the University of Vienna lost 45% of its professors and lecturers through exile and extermination.
The University underwent an expansion during the education boom of the 1970’s, in the course of which many new institutes were established. The 2002 Higher Education Law brought about a fundamental reorganization of the University of Vienna, as a performance oriented, autonomous institution with greater responsibility for its own affairs.
When entering the building through the main entrance, your eye will be drawn to the representation of “Minerva’s Birth” and the inscription “Universitas Litterarum Vindobonensis”.
The remodeled Aula or University Assembly Hall allows barrier-free access to visitors, who can obtain all necessary information from projections and monitors, as well as an information desk, at all times.
Left of the Aula there is a plaque listing all rectors of the University of Vienna, starting with the very first one, Albertus Rigennstorff.
The Arcade Courtyard adjacent to the Aula was originally conceived in the shape of a campo santo, celebrating the memory of famous university professors and doubling as a recreational area for students. This original concept was again implemented as part of the remodeling work currently in progress.
The right hand atrium leads to the Ceremonial Chambers and to the reading room of the University Library.
A bust of Heinrich von Ferstel guards the entrance to the Main Ceremonial Chamber, the impressive setting for all important occasions in the life of the university. e.g. graduation ceremonies. Statues of Rudolph IV, the founder of the University of Vienna, and Empress Maria Theresia, during whose reign a sweeping reform of the university took place, decorate the Hall.
The ceiling of the MainCeremonial Chamber is adorned with a central panel featuring “The Triumph of Light”, by Franz Matsch, and black and- white reproductions of Gustav Klimt’s representations of the Faculties “Philosophy”, “Medicine” and “Jurisprudence”, alongside the original “Theology”, by Franz Matsch. In 1894, Klimt and Matsch were commissioned to create allegorical representations of the four Faculties of the University. Disagreements led to Klimt laying down his commission in 1905.The originals of Klimt’s faculty paintings were destroyed by fire in 1945 at Immendorf Castle in Lower Austria.
The origins of the Vienna University Library, or “publica libraria”, as it was known at the time, date back to the 14th century. The dissolution of monasteries and convents during the Josephine Reforms, continued purchases, donations and the acquisition of numerous scholars’ estates turned it into a large and valuable public library.
The stack rooms of the University of Vienna Library hold over six million volumes and more than 10,000 electronic media that are also available for use by readers. The niversity Library combines information, cultural heritage and zeitgeist.
The largest single room in the Main Building of the University of Vienna, the reading room of the University Library, with its ambiance and its approximately 60,000 volumes is very much appreciated and readily frequented by users.
Each day, up to 5,000 pre-ordered books are placed on the 72 km of bookshelves in the main library to be collected by readers. Various exhibitions and events are organized to encourage people to read. University Library services are rounded off by periodic user trainings and tours.
The research and teaching facilities of the University of Vienna are dispersed throughout the capital, at 60 locations. In addition to the University Council, the Senate, the Rectorate and the University Library, the Main Building also houses several institutes and administrative offices. The Cultural Sciences are located in the New Institute Building and on the University Campus, where the state-of-the-art Auditorium Center is also situated. Other important University of Vienna sites include the Schmelz Sports Center, the Biology Centers I and II, the School of Law, the Business Administration Center and the Campus Vienna Bio Center.
74,000 students are currently registered for more than 170 degree courses. The 6,500 scientists of the University of Vienna are involved in research and teaching in the realms of theology, information technology, economics, the cultural and social sciences, translation, natural sciences, mathematics, law, philosophy and education, psychology and sports sciences.
With people from 134 nations studying here, the University of Vienna regards itself as an international university. An integral part of the ERASMUS/SOCRATES network, the University of Vienna has partnership agreements with 43 universities worldwide. Its scientists achieve high standards of research performance, which is reflected in their participation in countless international research projects.