Austrian Scientists & Scholars
in North America

ASciNA Austria

About This Chapter

ASCINA Austria / Alumni / Vienna

ASCINA Austria / Alumni / Vienna is a network that welcomes scientists of all disciplines, as well as future scientists who wish to be mobile and networked with already returned home, or willing to return, scientists. Our mission is to promote academic mobility, to provide information and share the personal experiences of ASCINAt:innen from abroad and domestic. We regularly organize round tables, lectures, writing articles and presenting ourselves in various events.

For more information you will receive e-mails when you register at ASCINA on the main page. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Denise Haslwanter, chapter head of ASciNA Austria, can be contacted via alumni-austria@ascina.at.

New ASCINA Alumni Highlighted Member

Denise Haslwanter, Ph.D., an esteemed virologist, currently serves as the Associate Director Global Medical Affairs at BioNTech SE. With an enduring fascination for viruses, Denise effectively employs clinical data to steer informed decisions in vaccine development. 

Her pivotal role encompasses advancing understanding of infectious diseases, providing support in clinical and regulatory dialogues, and delivering scientific training.

Originally from Tyrol, Denise began her academic journey at the University of Innsbruck for her Bachelor’s, and later pursued her Master’s at the University of Vienna. She immersed herself in the intricate realm of Virology during her Ph.D. studies at the Medical University of Vienna at the Center for Virology under the guidance of Dr. Karin Stiasny and Dr. Franz X Heinz. Her tenure as a Research Fellow at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, under the mentorship of Dr. Kartik Chandran, marked a significant phase in Denise’s career. Here, she achieved remarkable milestones in better understanding of viruses and vaccines. Spearheading projects related to yellow fever virus vaccine efficacy and various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 epidemic, Denise’s efforts culminated in multiple publications, a patent, and recognition through an award for her exceptional postdoctoral work. 

Denise’s relocation to the US facilitated her membership in ASCINA, providing access to annual ARIT events and connections with fellow Austrians abroad. Her accomplishments were recognized with the prestigious Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Poster Award. Now back in Austria, Denise eagerly anticipates contributing to ASCINA as an active participant.

Previous Highlighted Members

News

Belvedere - 300 Years of Art (October, 2023)

On October 12, 2023, members of ASciNA Alumni Chapter Austria had the privilege of participating in the event, “Das Belvedere – 300 Jahre Ort der Kunst”, held at the enchanting Lower Belvedere. This remarkable evening was orchestrated by our dedicated Chapter Head of ASciNA Austria, Dr. Irene Maier, and courteously hosted by the Director of the Research Center Gallery Belvedere and ASciNA Alumni member, Dr. Christian Huemer.

The event started with a warm reception, where attendees were greeted with glasses of prosecco, setting a pleasant tone for the evening. Dr. Huemer led the way through a captivating guided tour of the Belvedere Gallery. With passion and expertise, he shared fascinating insights into the history and enduring legacy of the Belvedere, recounting its resilience through the tumultuous periods of two world wars. It was a truly enlightening experience, delving into the rich tapestry of art and history that the Belvedere Gallery encapsulates.

The evening culminated in a delightful dinner, where the attendees had the opportunity to engage in stimulating conversations and exchange both professional insights and personal anecdotes about their experiences living abroad. Among the distinguished guests were the honorary ASciNA member, Dr. Raoul Kneucker, Dr. Martin Hetzer, President of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), and Mag. Katja Otter, the Key Account Manager for Expats at the Austrian Business Agency (ABA).

The event was a testament to the vibrant cultural tapestry of members of ASciNA Alumni. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Irene Maier, Dr. Christian Huemer, and all the distinguished guests for making this evening a truly memorable and enriching experience. As we continue our journey together, we look forward to more such culturally enriching events fostering connections that bring us closer as a community.

Treffen in Oberlaa (Juli, 2023)

Bei einem gemütlichen Mittagessen trafen sich ASciNAt:innen aus Wien und feierten den 4. Juli bei Sonnenschein in Oberlaa!

Archived Meetings:

ASciNA Aktiv mit Elke Wagner (Past-Chapter Head) beim Ausflug in die Wachau und ASciNA Aktiv vor dem Rathaus

ASciNA 20-Jahr-Feier in Wien von 21-23. Juni 2022

Heurigenbesuch mit ASciNA Chapter Heads Irene Maier und Matthias Gerstgrasser, Preisträger Niclas Technau (in der Mitte), ASciNA President:innen Eva Schernhammer (fotografierend), Dietrich Haubenberger und Hubert Zajicek (beide bei der Feier in Wien).

https://ascina.at/20-years-of-ascina/

 

Feierlichkeiten zur ASciNA 20-Jahr-Feier 2022

Wir freuen uns das Mentoring-Programm mit all unseren Mentees, Mentor:innen und Freunden von ASciNA feiern zu dürfen!

Events - 2020 und früher

Events am AIT und dem OHI wurden organisiert von Elke Wagner, Walter Gutstein, und Peter Ertl, und wir konnten einen Netzwerkabend an der TU Wien verbringen. Wir haben ein unglaublich nettes Craft beer Lokal in der Nähe des Nachmarktes entdeckt, in dem wir gemütliche Abende ausklingen ließen. Das Bild unten zeigt Peter Ertl und Elke Wagner bei der Präsentation der Mobility Study im Amerika Haus im Juni 2014.

Important Links and Info

Members

Events

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Sabina Cveček, Walter Scheidel

The Power of Open Doors: My Experience with the ASciNA Mentoring Program

Winning the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Postdoctoral Fellowship has been a major milestone in my career, allowing me to pursue research I am passionate about and relocate to Chicago, a hub for anthropological thought. After years abroad—as an international student in Vienna, an exchange student in Istanbul, and an intern in New Delhi—I have learned that building a life and career in science relies on the generosity of those who open their doors to you. In North America, the ASCINA Mentoring Program helped me find some of those doors.

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Virtual Research Talk – Discover Austria: Where Research Meets Opportunities

Discover Austria: Where Research meets Opportunities

The ABA (Austrian Business Agency) Virtual Research Talk is an online event showcasing Austria as a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. Their mission is to connect Austrian research institutions and forward-thinking companies with international researchers. By building bridges across borders, ABA aim to foster knowledge exchange and position Austria as a top destination for global research talents.

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Faculty Position: University Professor of Pharmacology and Drug Therapy

DEADLINE EXTENDED – Faculty Position: Pharmacology & Drug Therapy
Universität Innsbruck | Full Professorship | Permanent | 100% FTE Innsbruck, Austria

🗓 NEW DEADLINE: September 22, 2025 (extended from August 31)
Faculty Position – The University of Innsbruck invites applications for the position of a University Professor of Pharmacology and Drug Therapy at the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

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Faculty Position: University Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Faculty Position – The University of Innsbruck invites applications for the position of University Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Department of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
It is a position in accordance with § 98 of the Austrian Universities’ Act (Universitätsgesetz – UG) and will be based on a civil-law employment contract with the University on the basis of the Salaried Employees Act (Angestelltengesetz). The contract will be concluded for an unlimited period; the extent of employment is 100%.

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