Children’s University: When the entire state becomes a campus for young researchers

When Didone asks Frigerio a question, children’s hands shoot up. Since January, the behavioral biologist from the University of Vienna has been bringing the world of birds into classrooms in the Salzkammergut. Observing, documenting, evaluating – more than 700 children between the ages of eight and twelve worked like real ornithologists under the supervision of Frigerio and the Konrad Lorenz Research Center in Grünau im Almtal. “They are now experts and can name almost any native bird based on its appearance.”

It was the first part of the project with which the children’s university, the largest youth campus in the country, started its 21st season on May 1st. What began in 2004 as an extracurricular educational program for children and young people has now grown large. The numbers are impressive: 500 courses, 3,000 children, 450 lecturers.

The locations are spread across the entire state: Linz, Wels, Steyr, Hagenberg, Almtal and Ennstal. And because Upper Austria is also home to a cultural capital this year and is also celebrating a Bruckner year, art and culture are not neglected at the children’s university. According to Children’s University Rector Andreas Kupfer, several special projects are planned that will give research and science a very special stage.

For example, the measurement data from the young ornithologists are artistically “processed”. Together with the Bad Aussee Children’s Music Theater, a piece is being staged that will highlight the effects of the climate crisis on bird life. The children even record their own “environmental song” in a recording studio and integrate it into the piece. If you are curious, we recommend the closing event on July 14th, where the piece will premiere.

And Anton Bruckner? He’s traveling with the children’s university this year. “Toni on Tour” is the name of the workshop series in which children aged five to 15 can immerse themselves in the world of the famous composer on the occasion of his 200th birthday.

Diplomas for everyone

Researching, crafting, mixing chemicals and even taking off into the air – the course program for the children’s university this year is more varied than ever before.

And anyone who has attended a university will have a sponsorship at the end: On July 11th, the children’s university invites all participants to the Ursuline Hall at Linz’s OK Platz to receive their diplomas.

Information and registration for all courses and workshops can be found at: kinderuni-ooe.at