For an Academy of Sciences, it is a natural task to deal with the history and philosophy of science - i.e. with the past of the endeavors after which it is named and with their prerequisites. The Commission aims to serve this reflection through exemplary projects with an Austrian connection in an international context. From the outset, it is geared towards cooperation, both within its own projects and through networking with other people involved in the history and philosophy of science. The Commission carries out interdisciplinary projects and publishes their results.

The Commission for the History and Philosophy of Science of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is intended to be an independent, interdisciplinary scientific forum with the following objectives:

  • Implementation of interdisciplinary research projects and the resulting publications

  • Networking the relevant research institutions in Austria.

  • Research cooperation at national and international level with universities and non-university research institutions, institutes and commissions of the ÖAW

  • Conferences and international congresses

  • Public relations work - stimulating discussion of the relationship between science and society from a historical perspective

  • Representation of the interests of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in international organizations for “History and Philosophy of Science”