DoSChem at the Long Night of Research 2026: Chemistry Made Visible and Accessible
On 24 April 2026, DoSChem, together with the Faculty of Chemistry took part in the Long Night of Research in the Festsaal of the University of Vienna’s Main Building.
Several DoSChem‑associated research groups presented interactive stations that successfully translated complex chemical and biochemical research into engaging, hands‑on activities for a diverse audience including children, families, and adults.
Across the different stations, DoSChem researchers took the time to engage with visitors, answer questions and explain their research with great enthusiasm and patience. Their creative approaches helped make even complex concepts easy to grasp and enjoyable, especially for younger audiences.
DoSChem warmly thanks all participating research groups and team members for their dedication, creativity and tireless efforts in sharing their science with the many visitors of the Long Night of Research.
All pictures by Mirjam Beck.
The Gonzalez/Backus group invited visitors to explore spectroscopy at the station
“What Can We Do with Light in Chemistry?”.
Using a spectrometer, visitors measured light spectra of different materials and solved a small detective story, learning how chemists use light to identify substances.
Group Gonzalez/Backus:
Sebastian Mai with Moritz Zelenka, Dóra Vörös and Sophie Zeilinger
At “Does the Chemistry Between Us Match? How the Love Hormone Oxytocin Connects Us”, presented by the Muttenthaler group, guests observed fluorescent solutions glowing under UV light, crafted peptide bracelets using bead codes, and learned how amino acid sequences translate into biological function.
Group Muttenthaler:
Isabell Ober with Dominik Windisch and Alea Maura Quant
Modern simulation‑based research was highlighted at “How Can Computers Help Us Understand Light–Matter Interactions?” by the Gonzalez group. Abstract concepts such as ground and excited states were explained playfully using bouncing rubber balls, before visitors explored atomic and molecular structures in virtual reality using VR headsets.
Group Gonzalez:
Markus Oppel with Simon Tippner, Richard Jacobi and Konstantinos Pantelis Zois (Johannes Dietschreit, Laurens van Dam, Patrick Lechner, Constantin Feitl and Marco Romanelli not in the picture)
Biological resilience was the focus of “What’s the Secret of Cells That Don’t Fall Apart?” by the Zanghellini group. Visitors learned how cells can survive extreme conditions and how special membrane lipids and proteins contribute to cellular stability.
Group Zanghellini with Ana Cristina Carvalho, Andrea Graf, Johann Lottermoser and Johannes Zott.
Another station by the Gonzalez group, “Light and Medicine – Friends or Foes?”, demonstrated how light can influence everyday products and pharmaceutical substances. Under UV light, visitors observed fluorescent effects and discussed how simulations help predict whether light‑induced processes are beneficial or problematic in medicine.
Group Gonzalez with Jesús Lucia Tamudo, Hans Georg Gallmetzer, Jason Yang and Elias Petranyi.
Molecular change and adaptation were explored at “How Does Evolution Work on a Molecular Level?” by the Flamm group, where participants paired bases on a computer and discovered how mutation and selection shape RNA structures over time.
Group Flamm