Nature's crisis resilience – biological resilience in an age of global change

In a world increasingly marked by crises and profound change, the concept of resilience is becoming ever more important. But what exactly does it mean to be resilient? How do living beings, organisations, societies – indeed, entire ecosystems – manage to cope with challenges without breaking down? What makes them resilient, and what allows them to grow? And above all: how can we – both individually and collectively – develop the ability to overcome setbacks, actively shape change and emerge stronger from crises?

We are confident that a thirst for knowledge, curiosity, positive experiences, solidarity and social skills can strengthen our resilience. It forms a kind of ‘mental immune system’ consisting of resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility. It helps us not only to survive crises, but also to emerge from them stronger.

This also applies to nature, the animal world, the climate, organisations and society as a whole. We will examine our annual theme of ‘resilience’ from different perspectives and disciplines. Our speakers will each present one aspect of resilience and stimulate discussion. We invite you to join us in reflecting on the significance of this concept for individuals and societies.

Who organises the Biologicum Almtal?

The event is organised by the Konrad Lorenz Research Centre for Behavioural and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna in cooperation with the International Academy Traunkirchen. It is financed by contributions from participants and supported by the Province of Upper Austria and several partners and sponsors, like the Touristboard Traunsee-Almtal.

The "Almtal" - region

For decades, the Almtal has been associated with cutting-edge biological research through the Konrad Lorenz Research Center of the University of Vienna. The magnificent nature of the valley enables both empirical and sensual-intuitive access to the messages of modern biology. The Almtal is the ideal place for the Biologicum to convey science at the highest level to an interested public.

Arrival Information:

How to get to Biologicum in the mountaineering village of Grünau im Almtal:

We recommend travelling by public transport!

By train:
From Wels station, take the Almtalbahn (line 153) to Grünau im Almtal;
there are numerous connections from Wels station to the main trains on the Westbahn line (line 101) to Vienna/Linz or Salzburg and to Passau (line 150).

The Pfarrhof is only 10 minutes away from the station, or you can use the SKGT shuttle service.

By bus:
OÖVV bus line 533 from Gmunden via St. Konrad and Scharnstein to Grünau im Almtal. The Grünau im Almtal Gemeindeamt bus stop is only 3 minutes away.

By Salzkammergut Shuttle Service Route 60 from Grünau train station to the Sportplatz stop, call the taxi centre at least 1 hour in advance on +43 50-422 422 to book. This service is also available from the wildlife park and other hotels such as JUFA Hotel Almtal or Pension Göschlseben, etc.

By foot:
The Pfarrhof is located in the village centre and can be easily reached on foot from Grünau im Almtal railway station or numerous accommodation providers!

By car:
A1 motorway: Vienna - Voralpenkreuz-A9 - Ried/Tr. exit - Voitsdorf - Pettenbach - on the B 120 to Scharnstein - on the L548 to Grünau im Almtal

A1 motorway: Munich – Salzburg – Regau – take the B145 to Gmunden (also coming from Bad Ischl) – take the B 120 to Scharnstein – take the L548 to Grünau im Almtal

Motorway A8 Passau - Wels - Voralpenkreuz A9 Pyhrn motorway - exit Ried/Tr. - Voitsdorf - Pettenbach - on the B 120 to Scharnstein - on the L548 to Grünau im Almtal

Parking nearby:
Numerous parking spaces directly opposite the parish hall and in front of the school.
Additional parking spaces behind the municipal office and at the sports field.

Please only use the designated parking spaces and be considerate of private property!
Thank you for your cooperation!

We are happy to provide you with information about available rooms and apartments. You can also find this information on our website at: https://traunsee-almtal.salzkammergut.at/en/accommodations-booking-more/accommodations

Included Service:

Morning participation

Registration is required for morning participation. Please send us an email to biologicum-almtal@univie.ac.at with the name of the school, the teacher and the number of students.

One teacher and 17 students per school can participate. If additional students would like to participate, please send us the number by email and we will put them on the waiting list. If there are still places available after the registration deadline (25th September), we will be happy to add them.

For participation in the Junior Biologicum, a contribution of € 5 per participant (for refreshments during breaks) will be collected on site.

Participation in the evening

Registration is not required. Participation costs €10 (to be paid on site).

Participation in excursions

Information to follow

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Service and attendance - Grünau, Almtal Valley