Junge Uni 2026: Three days packed with science, medicine and hands-on activities
From 13 to 15 July 2026, the Karl Landsteiner University once again took part in the ‘Junge Uni’ event at the Krems campus, delighting children and young people with a varied programme centred on medicine, research and health. Fascinating talks, hands-on workshops at Krems University Hospital and interactive stations at the KL gave participants the chance to experience health science topics first-hand.
Science up close: Fascinating lectures on current topics
The KL programme kicked off with a lecture by Prim. Dr Klaus Hackner from Krems University Hospital on the topic of the lungs and lung health. Participants gained fascinating insights into the structure and function of the lungs, learnt interesting facts about common lung diseases and discovered why healthy lungs are so important for our well-being.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Manfred Wieser, MSc, MME, Vice-Rector for Teaching at KL and Programme Director of the Master’s programme in Human Medicine, then addressed the topic of ‘Sport, exercise and doping’. He spoke about the role regular exercise plays in health, how training should be tailored to a person’s age, and the risks associated with doping – not only in elite sport but also in recreational sport. Using clear examples, he demonstrated how important it is to take a mindful approach to one’s own body from a young age.
Another item on the programme was delivered by Dominik-Andreas Kugler, MSc, from the KL’s Department of Water Quality and Health, with his talk on ‘Water Quality and Health’. The children and young people learnt why clean drinking water is essential for our health, how water is treated, and what role microorganisms play in this process. The talk offered fascinating insights into current research on water quality, prevention and public health.
Clinical Reality: Practical Day at Krems University Hospital
On 14 July, the programme included a practical day at Krems University Hospital, a teaching and research site of the KL. Working in small groups, the participants were able to explore various medical departments and get hands-on experience:
One station was dedicated to emergency medicine. Here, participants learnt about the equipment and procedures in the A&E department, ambulances and the trauma room. Dr Agnes Karnberger was on hand to answer questions from the eager participants.
“Get the gummy bear out of the lung!” – under this motto, the team from the Clinical Department of Pneumology, led by Senior Consultant Dr Klaus Hackner and Senior Registrar Dr Waltraud Riegler, vividly demonstrated the basics of bronchoscopy. With great dexterity, the children and young people were able to try out the bronchoscopy procedure for themselves and remove a gummy bear from a lung dummy.
At the Institute for Preventive and Applied Sports Medicine (IPAS), participants gained fascinating insights into the links between exercise, health and nutrition. Through interactive exercises, the team led by Prof. DDr. Mahdi Sareban demonstrated how physical activity influences energy expenditure and why regular exercise is a key foundation for a healthy life.
Hands-on experience: workshops at the KL
On 15 July, the programme continued at the KL with practical workshops.
In the KL Skills Lab, where KL medical students train for clinical practice, the children and young people were able to learn about and try out basic medical skills for themselves under the guidance of medical students. From taking blood samples to stitching wounds, realistic models provided an authentic insight into everyday medical practice.
The student initiative Sono4YOU offered practical insights into modern imaging. In the ultrasound workshop, participants were able to operate an ultrasound machine themselves and learn which medical questions can be answered using sonography. At the same time, the possibilities – as well as the limitations – of this diagnostic method were explained.
Conclusion: Enthusiasm for science and medicine
The graduation ceremony on Friday, 17 July 2026, marked the festive conclusion of the event. The KL was represented at the event by Dr Manfred Wieser. The children had made their own graduation caps especially for the occasion. The highlight of the ceremony was the joint tossing of the caps into the air – a joyful and symbolic moment with which they celebrated their successful participation in the programme.
Once again in 2026, the KL’s programme as part of the ‘Young University’ was a resounding success. The young participants showed great interest in the diverse topics covering medicine, research and health sciences. The combination of engaging lectures and practical workshops brought science to life and sparked enthusiasm in many for a possible future in the healthcare sector.
