The TRA:WELL project focuses on the relationship between active mobility (walking, cycling, scooters) and the well-being of young people. The entire physical activity behaviour is considered in order to assess the contribution of active forms of mobility to the fulfilment of physical activity recommendations.

What are the aims of the project?

The project has three main objectives:

1. TRA:WELL investigates the relationships between children's mobility behaviour and subjective well-being. The focus is on active and independent mobility. The research approach takes into account the entire physical activity behaviour and shows the contribution of active forms of mobility to the fulfilment of physical activity recommendations.
2. In this context, TRA:WELL analyses the role of subjective perception of the built environment and develops a child-centred perspective on how urban environments can promote child-friendly mobility.
3. Students (further) develop methods and instruments that enable the complex issues of attitudes, behaviour (mobility, movement), well-being and freedom of choice in the mobility context to be recorded for the target group of children.

How can you participate in research?

The pupils at the TRA:WELL cooperation schools* were trained in an online survey tool as part of workshops. Pupils were invited to record their daily journeys and activities as well as their well-being in a diary over the course of a week. This allowed statements to be made about their mobility behaviour and their overall physical activity. The data can be used to analyse the relationship between active mobility and physical activity and well-being. There are also teaching materials that were developed in the project and are available free of charge.

*Participation is restricted to these pupils and therefore closed to outsiders.

Teaching materials

The project's website offers a wide range of free teaching materials on the subject.

Picture gallery

• © TRA:WELL © TRA:WELL
• © TRA:WELL © TRA:WELL
• © TRA:WELL © TRA:WELL
• © TRA:WELL © TRA:WELL
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This project fulfils version 1.1 of the quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht.

A couple of Instagram stories here a TikTok video there: The pervasiveness of our everyday lives with more and more media content consumed in a short period of time has completely changed the way we access and deal with information: Due to their everyday use of and the strong fusion of their lives with social media, it is young people who are most affected by this development. 

The project “Young Citizen Scientists against Disinformation” aims to explore the topic of disinformation from the perspective of those young adults, by involving them into the research project by a Citizen Science approach. As everyday life of young adults has changed a lot due to the constant confrontation with media content and information, they must become researchers themselves to critically analyse (dis-)information. Therefore, the project puts emphasis on coping strategies and the processes of valuing (dis-)information, as opposed to the truthfulness of the content being delivered. To put this aim into practice, the University for Continuing Education Krems and the FH St. Pölten will work together with Citizen Scientists from three classes of higher schools in Lower Austria (HLW Tulln, HTL St. Pölten, BRG Krems)*. The citizen scientists are invited to define the phenomenon of “disinformation” from their perception and to adapt the research focus on that behalf. Moreover, they will collect and analyse data on (dis-)information relevant for them in their everyday lives. The data may contain information about where and how they are confronted with disinformation, research, and evaluation behaviour as well as questions and uncertainties about the topic. 

Additionally, researchers will prepare research material and questions concerning three topic areas that will be discussed together with the young Citizen Scientists. Those topic areas include (1) perspectives and approaches of politics and science and how young people feel they have been addressed by those until now; (2) state interventions and civil protection and how they value current regulations as well as (3) technical solutions and what role technical applications and tools play in their (dis-)information practices. Both, the data collected by the Citizen Scientists as well as the data collected by the researchers will be discussed, analysed and interpreted together with the Citizen Scientists in class. Finally, the research project will contribute a Citizen Science based concept for a future disinformation platform/infrastructure/tool, building on the findings of the research project, on how to address young adults needs and wishes.

 *Participation is restricted to these school classes and therefore closed to outsiders.

The project is funded by the Lower Austrian Research Promotion Agency as part of the RTI Strategy Lower Austria 2027.

This project fulfils version 1.1 of the quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht.

DANUBE4all is an EU project with the main task of developing a comprehensive action plan for the renaturation of river stretches in the Danube River Basin (DRB). To this end, a collaborative stakeholder process is being developed that actively incorporates the interests of citizens. The action plan is intended to contribute to the improvement of the ecological status, biodiversity and river connectivity of the Danube ecosystems and thus supports the EU mission OCEAN ‘Mission Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters’. 

The development and implementation of innovative and socially relevant nature-based solutions has a wide range of positive effects. In addition to the improved connectivity of rivers, possible scenarios for floodplains, reducing the risk of floods and droughts, and other socio-economically effective measures are an important focus. Renaturation projects on the Danube are being promoted with the goal of improving the continuity of sediments and positively influencing habitats/biota. These include the Danube National Park east of Vienna, a section of the river in Hungary and a measure on the Danube delta. 

Nature-based solutions must be developed in collaboration with the affected population and supported by them in order to be effective in the long term. Renaturation processes tend to unfold slowly and require continuous attention and active support in order to be successful. Accordingly, the intensive involvement of citizens along the Danube is an important component that makes renaturation possible in the first place. A special work package supports interaction with citizens through the activation of citizen science. Citizen scientists are particularly involved in the development, implementation, evaluation and scaling of nature-based solutions, a citizen science method toolbox, and the development of communication measures. 

In particular, DANUBE4all serves the following research fields: 

• Criteria and indicators for physical connectivity status as a starting point for renaturation options in the Danube catchment. A reflection of existing assessment methods and initiatives contributes to this. 
• Analysing the (ecological) status of water bodies and biodiversity with the aim of expanding the existing transnational biodiversity monitoring with a strong focus on restoration. This includes long-term trends in connection with management and conservation measures associated with renaturation.
• Co-creation, implementation and results monitoring of nature-based solutions implemented in the project in the Danube River Basin. This includes: 
  • 3 restoration interventions with the participation of local residents (3 Demonstration Sites); 
  • the further use and replication of solutions in 5 Associated Regions; 
  • later a multiplication of the approach by supporting 10 restoration measures (10 Synergy Sites). 
• Implementation of socially relevant integrative measures with municipalities in the Danube River Basin. This includes measures that trigger social and economic change, as well as the sustainable, integrative and long-term management of restored ecosystems through public mobilisation and engagement. This is also to be achieved through citizen science.

common nase, © Robert Togel (Images courtesy of viadonau)

This project fulfils version 1.1 of the quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht.

Spring habitats in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve

In view of increasing extreme weather events, including periods of drought and consequent water shortages, the protection and knowledge of springs in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve is becoming increasingly important. In addition to their essential role in water supply, springs are often small but very important habitats for endangered organisms. The pressure to utilise and develop existing springs has increased significantly due to climate change. In order to raise awareness of these special habitats and obtain an overview of the existing spring habitats in the valley, the KLAR! Biosphärenpark Großes Walsertal is launching a citizen science project in cooperation with Life Science AG.

As an introduction, an online workshop will take place on 18 February 2025 from 19:00 to 20:30. Participants will gain exciting insights into the hidden world of springs, their ecological value for highly specialised species and the importance of certain organisms as indicators of water quality. They will also be shown how climate change and increasing utilisation pressure are affecting these sensitive habitats. Finally, the methodology of spring mapping will be presented and a typical mapping day outlined. After the workshop, interested parties will have the opportunity to secure a place on the field trip in summer 2025, during which the methodology will be applied in the field.

Life Science AG has already successfully carried out a citizen science project to record spring habitats in the Black Forest biosphere area and will now transfer this project to the conditions in the Großes Walsertal. The tried-and-tested mapping and evaluation method records not only the location but also characteristics such as spring size, temperature, cultural-historical significance, flora and fauna as well as potential human influences. As an alternative to the tried-and-tested analogue recording, the Qfield app is also being adapted so that walks in the Großes Walsertal can become small research trips.

As a model region for sustainable development, the biosphere reserve bears a special responsibility for the long-term protection of natural springs. We are committed to securing the supply of drinking water and at the same time protecting the habitat for rare species. At the same time, we must ensure that the springs are utilised in the most environmentally friendly way possible to provide water for humans and animals.
If you are interested, please register in advance with our Klar! manager - Lukas Ellensohn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He will send you all further details and the link to the online workshop.

This project fulfils version 1.1 of the quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht.

Gain insights. Understand history. Experience nature.

In the impressive architecture of Hans Hollein, the Museum Niederösterreich in the cultural district of St. Pölten combines two places of encounter with science and research: the House of Nature and the House of History. Both houses offer continuously adapted and modernised main exhibitions as well as special exhibitions. The interactive, visually sophisticated exhibitions are accompanied by a comprehensive educational programme for all age groups. 

The House of Nature at the Museum Niederösterreich in St. Pölten is a modern and lively place for people who are interested in nature and curious to learn more about the flora and fauna of Lower Austria on the one hand and are looking for relaxation and special experiences on the other. With the main exhibition, which focuses on the various habitat types of Lower Austria with over 40 live animal species in terrariums, aquariums and formicariums, the museum garden as a micro-universe of the province with a great variety of structures and plants, as well as annually changing special exhibitions, the House of Nature offers fascinating and exciting insights into Lower Austria's habitats and turns a visit into a real nature experience. 

The aim is to impart knowledge about nature, arouse interest, open up new perspectives and address current issues of environmental protection and nature conservation, to which conferences, discussion and lecture series, events and educational activities as well as citizen science projects also contribute.

The House of Nature has been organising the City Nature Challenge (CNC), St. Pölten, in cooperation with St. Pölten City Council since 2021. 

The AmphiBiom project provides a very exciting insight into the variety of animal inhabitants that have already moved into garden owners' newly established ponds.

Take a look at our blog and dive into the fascinating underwater world of garden ponds.

The new episode of our podcast "Wissen macht Leute" is online!

This edition is all about the Mosquito Alert project from AGES-Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety GmbH, which makes it easy to report tiger mosquitoes and other mosquitoes using a free app.

Listen to the podcast in German: https://www.citizen-science.at/blog/radio-mosquito-alert

We are delighted to welcome a new project to Österreich forscht: "Invasive plants in view".

The citizen science project is dedicated to monitoring invasive alien plant species in the mountain regions of the Geopark Karawanken. Join in the research and report invasive plants if you are on holiday in this region or live there.

Monitoring in the Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark 

Together we can limit the spread of invasive species and protect the biodiversity of our mountain regions!

Project description

Our Citizen Science project is dedicated to the spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the Geopark Karawanken. Invasive species are plants or animals that are mostly introduced by human activity into regions where they do not originally occur, for example through intercontinental trade. While most introduced species are dependent on human support to survive, there is a minority that can adapt to the new environment and survive independently. Some of these species develop large populations very quickly and pose a significant threat to native ecosystems.

You can find a brief overview of our project in this video:

The problem

Invasive alien plants can spread rapidly because they produce large quantities of seeds, grow quickly and have few natural enemies in their new environment. This enables them to colonize new areas quickly and displace native species. They can also pose a direct threat to humans, for example through negative impacts on infrastructure or human health.

Mountain regions are currently less affected by invasive plants, but the risk is increasing due to climate change and human land use. The species are often introduced at lower altitudes and spread along corridors such as roads, hiking trails and watercourses to higher altitudes. Seeds and spores can stick to tires, shoes and tools (such as tractors) and spread in this way. Intentionally introduced material, such as for road construction, or planting material, such as seed mixtures for roadsides or ski slopes, also contribute to their spread.

With our project, the Geopark Karawanken aims to create a basis for planning targeted measures to limit the spread of invasive plants.

Examples of invasive plants and their characteristics:

• Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) CC-BY 2.0 Andreas Rockenstein (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/at/) Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) CC-BY 2.0 Andreas Rockenstein (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/at/)
• Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) CC BY-SA 4.0 Dietmar Rabich (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) CC BY-SA 4.0 Dietmar Rabich (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) © Urosh Grabner Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) © Urosh Grabner
• Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) © Urosh Grabner Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) © Urosh Grabner
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What can I do to support the project?

You can share locations of invasive plants with us via the iNaturalist platform and thus make a valuable contribution to protecting the native flora and fauna in the Karawanken Geopark area.

To help you get started, here is a step-by-step guide for Citizen Scientists:

Part I: What is iNaturalist and how can I use the platform (GER)

Part II: iNaturalist for the documentation of invasive species: Citizen Science project of the Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark (GER)

For Geopark schools and hiking guides:

Raise awareness of invasive plants in the Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark and support us in documenting affected sites: During a hike or as part of a school excursion, you can document invasive plants in iNaturalist together with your group and educate participants about their problems and impacts on native ecosystems. 

You can of course use all available documents (short video and step-by-step instructions) for your activity. If you need further support for the implementation, please contact us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Do you want to take action and stop the spread of invasive plant species?

If you want to do more, you can help us control the spread of plants:

Remove neophytes in your neighborhood

If you live nearby, you can clear an area in your neighborhood of neophytes in consultation with the landowner. There are different methods of removal depending on the plant in question. Balsam, for example, can be easily pulled out along with its roots. Remove the plants BEFORE the seeds ripen on a dry day. Canadian goldenrod can be pulled out by hand or with a spade when the soil is moist. Large populations can be reduced by regular mowing BEFORE the flowering period. Plant parts can be composted on site, roots, flowers or seeds can be transported away in bags and disposed of in residual waste to prevent the plant from spreading further.

Instructions for the removal of various invasive plants can be found in the practical guide Neophytes from the Swiss Agency for Environment & Communication.

Organize your own joint action to remove neophytes in the Karawanken Geopark

You can also organize a joint action to control the spread of neophytes in the Geopark - for example with your school class or as a hiking group. Clarify the action with the landowner of the area beforehand. The Geopark Karawanken team will support you with the planning.

We would be delighted if you kept us informed about your activities at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your support and your valuable contribution!

ATTENTION Giant hogweed!!!

What should I do if I discover the giant hogweed in the Karawanken Geopark?

• Keep enough distance from the plant.
• Avoid skin contact and wash the affected areas immediately.
• Document the plant and its location (on iNaturalist).
• Inform other hikers and mark the location.
• Notify the municipality and/or the Geopark Karawanken team (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Monitor your skin for reactions and seek medical help if necessary.
• Please DO NOT remove the giant hogweed yourself without protective equipment!!!

Further details to the project

Project Area

The Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark covers an area of 1,067 km² and includes five Slovenian and nine Austrian municipalities. This cross-border area is a unique natural and cultural experience region characterized by its outstanding geological heritage. The aim of the Geopark is to preserve the geological and natural resources as well as the cultural heritage of its members. By raising awareness, providing information, and education about the Geopark and its network at European and global levels, it contributes to strengthening its position as an important geopark. The Geopark also promotes economic use through sustainable tourism and supports cross-border cooperation for the sustainable development of the region.

Further information about the Karawanken Geopark can be found on the Geopark homepage and our social media channels (@visitgeoparkkarawanken). 

Image 3: Overview map Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark © Urosh Grabner

Project Goals

• Monitoring and Early Detection: Establishing a network to monitor invasive species in the Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark in order to detect their spread at an early stage.
• Awareness-Raising and Education: Informing and involving the population about the importance and impact of invasive alien species and the influence of climate change and human activities on their spread.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data on the occurrence and spread of invasive species by citizen scientists.
• Management and Control: Developing an action plan to control and contain invasive species in order to protect native ecosystems.

Methodology

• Participation: Involving the population as citizen scientists who collect data on the occurrence and spread of invasive species.
• Training and Workshops: Providing online educational materials and workshops to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and report invasive species.
  • Online Green Academy
  • Workshops
• Data Platform: Using the iNaturalist platform to record the locations of plant species. The collected data is validated there and then analyzed and published by the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Management of Protected Areas).

Expected Results:

• Improved Data Basis: Basic data collection on the occurrence and spread of invasive species in the Karawanken Geopark.
• Increased Awareness: Better-informed and engaged population actively contributing to monitoring and protecting native ecosystems.
• Effective Management Strategies: Action plan to control and contain invasive species in hard-to-reach areas.

Data Protection Information

No participant data is analyzed in this project. By joining, participants agree to iNaturalist's terms of use. Users control what data is visible to others when creating iNaturalist data, and settings can be managed in account details on the platform.

Project Details and Contact

This project is co-funded by the INTERREG Central Europe project HUMANITA - Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourism Activities on Protected Areas, supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Program 2021-2027 with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project's total budget is EUR 2,396,346.70, with EUR 1,917,077.36 funded by ERDF.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us: 

FH Kärnten: Lilia Schmalzl (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark: Urosh Grabner (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

This project fulfils version 1.1 of the quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht.

Since its foundation in 1840, Montanuniversität Leoben has developed its profile in several phases and today positions itself as a university for "Responsible and Circular Systems". Its expertise extends along the "circularity of systems" from raw material extraction to production processes, a wide range of products and recycling. This is reflected in the central areas of expertise of Advanced Resources, Sustainable Processes and Smart Materials. In these areas of expertise, Montanuniversität Leoben is almost the only university, also internationally, to have a closed knowledge base. In line with this, five core values determine research and teaching in 13 Bachelor's degree programs and 25 Master's degree programs: energy efficiency, climate neutrality, sustainability, zero waste and circular design.

Citizen Science is currently being pursued at Montanuniversität Leoben as part of two Sparkling Science projects in which Montanuniversität Leoben is collaborating with educational institutions from Tyrol and Lower Austria, among others. The focus is on solutions for the utilization of CO₂ as well as on access to the topic of resource use in the sense of cultural sustainability research via fairy tales. Montanuniversität Leoben is also contributing chemical analyses of environmental samples and human remains to a project on Neolithic migration in Lower Austria and is working together with a secondary school in Lower Austria.