Future Climate Intensifies Drought Effects on Grassland
The effects of individual climate factors on ecosystems are usually considered in isolation; however, in reality, they occur simultaneously and influence each other. Increasing CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere contribute to climate warming, which in turn fosters more frequent and intense drought periods. A study from Innsbruck shows that the consequences of drought on grasslands in a future climate will be more severe than previously assumed. The work of a team led by Maud Tissink and Michael Bahn from the Department of Ecology has been published in Science Advances.
Conference: Teaching International Human Rights Law in Times of Normative Contestation
From 8 to 10 June 2026, a major conference on the topic “Teaching International Human Rights Law in Times of Normative Contestation” was held at the University of Innsbruck.
New blueprint for exotic quantum states
Researchers led by Francesca Ferlaino and Luca Barbiero have developed a new theoretical model for ultracold magnetic atoms in a one-dimensional quantum structure, revealing seven exotic phases of matter. Most remarkably, one phase combines topological order and superconductivity, with potential applications in quantum computing. They provide a detailed roadmap for realizing and detecting these using existing experimental techniques.
A novel critical quantum phase
In a new study published in Physical Review Letters, a team of the Nägerl group jointly with theory collaborator Alvise Bastianello from the CNRS and the Université Paris-Dauphine demonstrates that highly unusual quantum states known as "fractional Fermi seas" can be quantum engineered.
Feltrinelli Prize awarded to Hannes Pichler
Quantum physicist Hannes Pichler was awarded the Antonio Feltrinelli Giovani Prize in Physics on June 12 in Rome. The 50,000-euro award, presented by the Italian Academy of Sciences, honors researchers under the age of 40 who have achieved exceptional and internationally recognized success in their field.
Aurora Annual Conference 2026 in Duisburg-Essen
The Aurora Annual Conference 2026 at the University of Duisburg-Essen brought together participants from across Europe to discuss the future of the alliance. In its anniversary year, the focus was on strengthening collaboration in research, teaching, and societal engagement.
2026 World Cup: Spain in the lead
An international team, including researchers from the University of Innsbruck and TU Dortmund University, has once again produced a data-driven prediction for the World Cup. According to the statistical analysis, Spain is the top favorite with a 14.5 % probability, followed closely by England and France, both with 12.4 %, and Germany with 11.2 %.
Peter Zoller elected Fellow of the Royal Society
Peter Zoller, professor emeritus at the University of Innsbruck and scientific director emeritus at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). The Royal Society is the national academy of sciences of the United Kingdom and the oldest scientific society in the world.