WKW and Headquarters Austria welcome summer

In addition to outstanding educational programs, MODUL University Vienna is also a sought after location for a variety of external events due to its stunning view over the Danube and excellent catering facilities. One such event took place on Monday, June 20th, as the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WKW) and Headquarters Austria welcomed summer with ‘’Sommerempfang 2011.’’

WKW president Brigitte Jank was in attendance, heralding the beginning of summer alongside MU president Karl Wöber and Leo Hauska of Headquarters Austria. Headquarters Austria is an independent, non-partisan organization working together with a variety of partners from business, academia, and advocacy on Headquarters-specific topics. On the basis of using existing Austrian expertise, the goal is to assist Headquarters in their ongoing work, to develop solutions in an interdisciplinary way and to make them available to all members. In collaboration with external organizations and experts, the platform is actively engaged with current issues and developments relating to regional and global corporations. ‘’Sommerempfang am Kahlenberg’’ is their yearly collaboration with the WKW to invite members to enjoy a live jazz band, a summer buffet, and a keynote address by a prominent figure in Austrian society.

This year, 2004 Austrian Scientist of the Year Rudolf Taschner delivered a lively speech on the implications of game theory on our view on society. He pointed out the difficulty of creating correct mathematical models of real-world situations due to their complexity, but used accessible and appealing metaphors to describe the relevance of a balanced incentive/penalty scheme to maintain order in human society.

Taschner is famed in Austria for his approach to making mathematics more accessible and pointing out its application in various cultural aspects of today’s society. He founded math.space in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, a center for the popularization of math with changing exhibits and events. Holding such forums as ‘’art projects against mathematic vexation’’, math.space creates interactive and engaging environments to show hands-on, that math is an integral part of our modern culture.

Taschner’s appearance followed in scholarly footsteps as last year’s keynote address was delivered by famed Austrian scientist, Markus Hengstschläger, who is noted for his work in genetics and hosts the ‘Radio Doctor’ program on ORF 1, Austria’s national radio broadcaster. MU employs a number of eminent scholars on its permanent and external faculty, and is always pleased to host the top names in academia.

More information about Headquarters Austria can be found at www.headquarters-austria.at