News

From one to many: Uni Graz researchers identify a mechanism for the origin of species

When a habitat changes, animals, plants and even humans must adapt to the new environmental conditions. Those who manage this fastest and best will prevail. Over time, new species that are specialised for specific habitats also develop. Zoologist Christian Sturmbauer and his research group at the University of Graz, together with international partners, have now demonstrated that the molecular biological process of “alternative splicing” – contrary to previous assumptions – contributes highly effectively to the formation of new species. Different combinations of parts of the same gene give rise to various, structurally slightly different variants of functional proteins. This leads very rapidly to significant changes. The research findings were published in the renowned journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A substantial community: the key role of soil crusts in the earth system

They are often overshadowed by the plant world: lichens, fungi, mosses and bacteria, which form unique communities on rocks and trees or as soil crusts. Bettina Weber from the University of Graz is bringing this biological alliance into the research spotlight. Her research shows that these communities form an essential part of the Earth’s critical zone and play a key role in the interactions between land and atmosphere. Bettina Weber was honoured by the European Geosciences Union for her groundbreaking research at the beginning of May.

Workshop: Sermilik Station in an Arctic Perspective

A three-day workshop from 27 to 29 May 2026 on the future of research at Austria’s only Arctic field station held at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Research (Heinrichstraße 36, 8010 Graz)

Nachruf - Dagmar Henner 1969–2026

Der Profilbereich Climate Change Graz trauert um Dagmar Henner, die am 23.04.2026 unerwartet verstorben ist. Unser aufrichtiges Mitgefühl gilt ihren Hinterbliebenen und wir werden Dagmar in dankbarer Erinnerung behalten.

Sale in der City: Stadtgeographin Anke Strüver über lebendige Innenstädte

Leere Schaufenster anstatt bunter Auslagen – stehen Europas Innenstädte vor dem Ausverkauf? Stadtgeographin Anke Strüver unternimmt einen Streifzug durch die Citys und erklärt im Interview, was zu einer Belebung beiträgt.

Climate research in Greenland: Old data provides new insights

The polar explorer and University of Graz professor Alfred Wegener left behind a unique collection of climate data from Greenland. A research team from the University of Graz is now analysing this 100-year-old treasure trove of data and comparing it with current measurements.

Interdisciplinary Conference - "A Relational World?"

Climate at the cliffs: Researchers unravel the evolution of the Greenland ice margin

Vertical ice walls, up to 40 metres high: in "Game of Thrones" they were dramatised as fortifications; during the Cold War, they were studied with great interest. How these imposing walls along Greenland’s 80,000-kilometre-long ice margin formed, how they are evolving, and what impact they have on the climate is not yet fully understood. Researchers from the Universities of Graz and Innsbruck have come one step closer to solving the mystery. The results of their latest study have been published in the journal The Cryosphere.