Experience research: BMFWF awards around €1.5 million in funding to 21 children’s and youth universities
Children and young people can look forward to a wide range of research activities across Austria this summer. In seven federal states, universities, universities of applied sciences and non-university research institutions are opening their doors and offering a varied programme for young people.
The events will take place both in the major university cities of Vienna, Graz, Linz and Innsbruck, as well as in rural regions such as the Klostertal, East Tyrol and the Waldviertel. Activities range from observing grey geese in the Almtal, to programming robots in Klosterneuburg, producing podcasts in St. Pölten, artistic work in the acrylic paint laboratory in Vienna, and interactive space workshops in Graz. The programme is aimed at all age groups between six and 20 years old.
In addition to programmes held directly at research and educational institutions, there are also activities in public spaces, such as parks, swimming pools or council housing estates. Furthermore, online formats invite participants to explore and discover from anywhere.
The Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) is supporting the organisation of the Children’s and Youth Universities 2026 with around 1.5 million euros. Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner emphasises: “Children’s and Youth Universities open up universities to all young people, regardless of their parents’ background, income or educational history. Science must not be a closed world. Through accessible programmes, we create fair opportunities for education, spark curiosity and strengthen trust in science and democracy.”
The OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, implements the BMFWF programme for Children’s and Youth Universities and allocates the funding. OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice highlights the programme’s particular significance: “Children’s and Youth Universities not only impart knowledge but also provide important impetus for educational and career choices. It is crucial that as many young people as possible – regardless of their background and where they live – have access to these programmes and develop an enthusiasm for science at an early age.”
In addition to the BMFWF funding programme, the OeAD also coordinates the Children’s University funding programme of the Science and Research Department of the Province of Lower Austria. In 2026, seven projects with a link to Lower Austria will receive additional funding from the province totalling around 73,000 euros. Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf emphasises: “Lower Austria has a broad network of measures and initiatives in the field of science communication – from the Science Academy and the Science Centre Tulln to workshops held directly in schools or libraries. We offer over 800 events in this field annually and have observed a great deal of interest from children, young people and parents. Children’s and Youth Universities expand these offerings with formats that allow young people to immerse themselves in research. It is important to us as a province to support such projects in order to inspire the next generation to take an early and lasting interest in science. In doing so, we are taking an important step towards bringing our province to the forefront.”
In addition to the children’s and youth universities, the BMFWF also funds extension modules for holiday care with a scientific focus. In 2026, 13 such modules will be implemented. They enable children and young people to immerse themselves intensively in research topics over the course of a week, whilst also offering play and physical activity sessions. These full-day, regionally coordinated programmes offer particularly accessible entry points to science and research.
An overview of all children’s and youth universities funded by the BMFWF and the Province of Lower Austria in 2026 can be found on the OeAD website via the following link: https://youngscience.oead.at/de/angebote/kinder-und-jugenduniversitaeten/projekte
