When physicist Lise Meitner was elected to the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) in 1948, she became the institution's first female member—more than a century after its founding. The exhibition Discovering Women Researchers uses this milestone as a starting point to explore the changing role of women within the Academy, highlighting pioneering scientists, overlooked contributions, and the diverse research carried out by women at the ÖAW today. 

"Scientific discovery benefits from a diversity of perspectives and experiences," says Elly Tanaka, Scientific Director of IMBA. "By highlighting the achievements and contributions of women researchers throughout the history of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, this exhibition reminds us both of the progress that has been made and of the importance of continuing to foster an inclusive research environment where talent can thrive."  

“By recognizing these outstanding women in research – whose contributions have too often been overlooked – we reaffirm our institute's commitment to creating equal opportunity for talent to flourish,” says Liam Dolan, Scientific Director of the GMI.

The exhibition places particular focus on three perspectives. It introduces pioneering female members of the ÖAW, including researchers from the first generations of women who built successful academic careers at the Academy. It also draws attention to the often less visible work of women “behind the scenes”, whose contributions were essential to research but not always formally recognized. Finally, it presents examples of research by women at the ÖAW today, spanning fields such as archaeology, history, demography, and infection biology. 

Originally developed in German by the ÖAW Central Office, the exhibition has been made accessible to IMBA and GMI’s international community through English translations. Visitors can access the English texts via QR codes displayed alongside the exhibition panels. 

"As an international research community, it is important that the stories and achievements presented in this exhibition are accessible to everyone," says Barbara Kraus, Business Director of IMBA. "We hope that visitors will take the opportunity to learn more about the women who have shaped research at the Academy and to reflect on the value of visibility, diversity, and inclusion in science."  

“For science to meet the challenges ahead, we need to ensure every talented researcher has the resources and respect to contribute fully," says Markus Kiess, Business Director of the GMI.  

By bringing these stories into view, Discovering Women Researchers offers insight into the impact of women researchers across disciplines and generations. It also encourages reflection on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and visibility in research. 

The directors of GMI and IMBA invite all members of the Vienna BioCenter community to visit the exhibition during June. 

When: 3 to 30 June 2026 
Where: Foyer in front of the GMI/IMBA lecture hall