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Vienna to host the 11th edition of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Week

FCC Week 2025 in Vienna: Science, society & discovery in the heart of Europe

May 18, 2025

vienna_austria — Photo Credit: Vienna Convention Bureau

From 19-23 May 2025, Vienna‘s iconic Imperial Palace (HOFBURG Vienna) will become the global hub of high-energy physics, as it hosts the 11th edition of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Week. Organised by CERN in collaboration with Austria’s top academic institutions, this international flagship event brings together leading scientists, engineers, industry pioneers, and decision-makers to shape the future of particle physics.

The FCC Week is more than a scientific conference – it is a roadmap for the next century of discovery. The program includes plenary and parallel sessions on accelerator design, cutting-edge physics, technological innovation, and societal impact, an Early Career Researchers Forum, spotlighting the next generation of scientific leadership, as well as a poster exhibition featuring global contributions to FCC-related research. The WKO Economics of Big Science Day (20 May) facilitates a unique dialogue between science, policy, and industry, with matchmaking sessions and case studies on CERN’s economic footprint and future collaboration potential.

Public events: Where science meets culture

To bring the spirit of exploration to a wider audience, FCC Week 2025 includes a series of (cultural) events across Vienna. Everyone – from curious students to lifelong learners – is invited to join:

19 May – “Wheel of Science” at the Riesenrad: Vienna’s beloved Giant Ferris Wheel transforms into a mobile particle physics lab, with scientists guiding visitors through cosmic mysteries in dedicated cabins. Free lectures and a planetarium show complete the day. This unique experience is open to individual visitors and school groups alike, offering an inspiring and interactive introduction to particle physics at one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. More information (German only): https://indico.cern.ch/event/1534861/

20 May – “The Higgs Boson and Our Lives” at the Austrian National Library: A keynote by CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti, followed by a panel discussion with Ulrike Diebold (Vice President – Austrian Academy of Sciences) and Verena Ringler (European Diplomacy and Governance Innovator), exploring the broader role of fundamental research in society. Details and registration: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1538034/

21 May – “Between Myths and Matter” at Pint of Science Vienna: Austrian researchers will tackle myths and explore mysteries of the universe in an informal pub talk at Pickwick’s. More information in German: https://pintofscience.at/event/zwischen-mythen-und-materie (Please note: This event is already sold out.)

21 May – “Waltzing Through Discovery” at the Musikverein: Experience an extraordinary evening where music and science harmoniously converge. In the magnificent setting of Vienna’s Großer Musikvereinssaal, the Wiener Johann Strauss Orchester, under the baton of Alfred Eschwé, presents a concert that interprets the spirit of scientific discovery through the works of Strauss, Lehár, and others. Details and tickets: https://www.musikverein.at/konzert/?id=0005df78

19 May to 7 June – “Code of the Universe” Outdoor Exhibition: Photographer Lois Lammerhuber invites you on a visual journey through the unseen structures of our reality, on display at Josephsplatz. Exhibition information: https://codeoftheuniverse.eu/

Austria’s commitment to global science

FCC Week 2025 is is being organised in collaboration with the Institute of High Energy Physics (HEPHY), Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien) and is supported by AdvantageAustria – Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, UNIQA, PORR, and the City of Vienna. As a city of science and culture, Vienna proudly hosts this milestone event, underscoring Austria’s long-standing dedication to open knowledge, innovation, and international collaboration.

To explore the full program, visit the official FCC Week 2025 website.