Get Involved in Climate Action: CoClimA at the 2026 Long Night of Research

On April 24, 2026, it’s that time of year again: The Long Night of Research invites people across Austria to experience science up close—and the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH will be there with its CoClimA research project in St. Pölten.

At the heart of the project lies one central question: How can collective action bring about lasting change in climate-friendly behavior?

This is exactly where CoClimA comes in, working closely with regional organizations and associations. Members become what are known as “citizen scientists” and develop and test concrete measures in the areas of mobility, nutrition, energy, and consumption. The goal is not only to change individual behavior but also to strengthen social norms within communities.

CoClimA is a citizen science project of the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH in cooperation with Joanneum Research and the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) in Vienna.

Experience Climate Action – at the CoClimA Booth

Visitors to the Long Night of Research can look forward to an interactive introduction to the topic of climate protection at the FERNFH booth:

• A climate calculator makes it easy to understand everyday decisions and their impact on CO₂ emissions in a fun way
• A personal climate profile shows where individuals have room to take action
• Concrete real-world examples from the region show how organizations are already implementing climate-friendly measures

We invite everyone to discover new perspectives and find inspiration.

Why FERNFH Conducts Research in This Field

As a university with a strong focus on socially relevant issues, FERNFH is deeply engaged in exploring the interplay between the individual, behavior, and social change. Particularly in the context of the climate crisis, it is clear that sustainable change does not occur solely at the individual level, but arises primarily within social systems and communities.

Through projects such as CoClimA, FERNFH helps translate scientific findings into practical applications—and works with local communities to develop solutions that have a long-term impact.

Science That Brings People Together

CoClimA exemplifies a research approach that brings science and society closer together. Through the active involvement of citizens, knowledge is generated not only for society but also in collaboration with it—knowledge that is practical, applicable to everyday life, and directly relevant to the region.

More information about FERNH's booth at the 2026 Long Night of Research is available here.

We look forward to seeing you!