Exner Lectures 2025 & Poster Session with AI pioneer Sepp Hochreiter
The Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV) and the Wilhelm Exner Medal Foundation invite young people to present their ideas for a future worth living – in a practical, visual way and through direct exchange. The ‘A future worth living’ initiative offers students the opportunity to put their thoughts and visions on paper. The motto: compact posters instead of long lectures.
Registration is now open. Submit your entry here!
You’ve never made a poster before?
What is it all about?
In contrast to a classic PowerPoint presentation, everything is at a glance on the poster: central theses, graphics, research questions and results. Students do not present their content in rigid lectures, but engage in open discussions with interested parties – similar to an exhibition with a networking character.
What are the benefits?
Posters are an ideal way to get to the heart of complex issues. Whether it’s sustainable consumption, new working models or digital communities, the posters show how young people want to shape the future. The best ideas will be awarded prizes, exhibited and possibly developed further. The posters are not limited to specific topics – every good idea is welcome!
How does it work?
This year’s edition of the Exner Lectures focuses on AI pioneer Sepp Hochreiter. The developer of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks will be awarded the Wilhelm Exner Medal. His research has shaped applications ranging from chatbots to medical diagnostics.
After his lecture, young people will have the opportunity to discuss their exhibited posters in direct dialogue with experts from science, business and society.
This will be followed by an exciting panel discussion. Hannah Rüdisser (Helio4cast), Laura Kovacs (TU Vienna) and Karl Kugler (AI:AT) will discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI.
And why are we doing this in the first place?
The ÖGV sees formats such as ‘A future worth living’ as a valuable bridge between young ideas and entrepreneurial practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular benefit from fresh impetus originating from the lives of the next generation. The connection between research, education and business is central to sustainable innovation – and to entrepreneurship that assumes social responsibility.
The Wilhelm Exner Foundation complements the activities of the ÖGV with networking events that bring science and business together.
The Exner Lectures and the Poster Session offer a glimpse into the future – with speakers who often go on to win the Nobel Prize years later. And with young people who bring a breath of fresh air.
This year’s programme once again promises inspiration, exchange and new perspectives.
Are you young and want to show your social commitment? Then join us and apply now for the 2025 Poster Session!