background image is designed by starline - Freepik.com
About the Project
The CIE is pleased to announce the approval of the CIE project, “Understanding Science - Understanding Light” funded by the Vienna Business Agency. Officially running from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026, this initiative will spotlight two key topics: “Light Pollution” and “Light and Health”, fostering public understanding of the impact of light on our lives. These initiatives were closely tied to the CIE 2025 Midterm Meeting, which took place in Vienna in July 2025, and aim to make the CIE’s work more accessible to a broader audience. The project will simplify complex topics within the diverse field of light and lighting, including the pressing issue of light pollution and the emerging connection between light and health. Through a series of engaging events, it will foster greater public understanding of these issues and their multifaceted impacts.
The project’s events will be held either in German or English, with a special focus on engaging local audiences in Vienna, Austria. Updates with dates, locations, and event details will be published on this page as they become available. People in Austria should look forward to these events, which will offer great opportunities for learning and engagement.
Aim of the Project
- Communicate relevant, up-to-date research knowledge and make the role of science and the importance of scientifically validated knowledge clearly recognizable for the individual through various events, especially on the two focal points of light pollution and light & health.
- An understanding of the role of scientific knowledge in the search for practical solutions should be promoted, thereby counteracting a simplistic understanding of science (e.g. when data is confused with interpretations or solutions).
- Help to ensure that as many people as possible are interested in science and scientific/technical careers in the long term. The attractive topics can show in concrete terms how degree courses (e.g. physics, electrical engineering) can lead to extremely interesting careers.
- Strengthen the networks between research and practice (society/industry/new talent) in Vienna/Austria in order to sustainably promote the anchoring and impact of the CIE community.
Project Partners
The CIE is proud to collaborate with the following partners:
Implementation Partners:
- VHS Wien (Volkshochschule), supporting venue arrangements and communications (main implementation partner)
- Wien Bibliothek im Rathaus / Wiener Vorlesungen
Community Partner:
- CIE National Committee Austria / Lichttechnische Gesellschaft (LTG) Österreich
Lead Partners on Light Pollution:
- Tyrol Competence Centre on Light Pollution and Dark Skies (The Plight with Light) - an initiative of the Tyrolean Environmental Ombudsoffice (Tiroler Umweltanwaltschaft)
- Kuffner Observatory
- MA 33 Wien Leuchtet (City of Vienna Lighting Department)
Lead Partners on Light and Health:
- Prof. Manuel Spitschan, TU Munich (Chronobiology and Health) & Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics
- Bartenbach Research – The Lighting Innovators
Project Events
In celebration of the International Day of Light 2025, the CIE hosted a special webinar on May 16 exploring the profound impact of light on human health.
The webinar, titled “How does light affect human health? From biology to application”, was presented by Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan, Professor of Chronobiology & Health at the Technical University of Munich and the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. In his talk, he explored how light not only enables us to see and interact with our surroundings, but also plays a fundamental role in regulating our internal clock and aligning our physiology with the rhythms of day and night.
Dr. Jennifer A. Veitch, President of the CIE, opened the event with a welcome and a short introduction to the organisation and the new CIE project, "Understanding Science – Understanding Light."
Recording is now available (English)
As part of the CIE project, you can also watch the recording of this webinar with German subtitles! Watch HERE.
As part of the CIE 2025 Scientific Conference, the CIE project Understanding Science – Understanding Light was excited to have a dedicated exhibition booth open throughout the three-day event, from 7 to 9 July 2025. The booth served as a vibrant hub for engaging with attendees, featuring bilingual (German and English) project materials including banners, posters, and flyers.
Throughout the conference, project partners were actively present at the stand, sharing insights related to the conference theme and showcasing their involvement in the project. Their presence brought visibility to the project's objectives and helped foster conversations around light, health, and light pollution.
As part of the CIE Project “Understanding Science – Understanding Light”, the keynote lectures from the CIE 2025 Scientific Conference (held from 7–9 July 2025 in Vienna) are being made publicly available—with German subtitles.
The German subtitles support the project’s aim to engage a broad audience in Vienna, Austria, making scientific topics around light more accessible to the local population.
Keynote #1 - "The Multifaceted Impacts of Light-pollution" by Dr. Dietmar Hager
Watch the first keynote lecture on our Vimeo channel HERE.
Keynote #2 - "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Colour Industries" by Prof. Stephen Westland
Watch the second keynote lecture on our Vimeo channel HERE.
Keynote #3 - "Light and Human Health" by Prof. George Brainard
Watch the last keynote lecture on our Vimeo channel HERE.
Presenter: Stefanie Suchy, Head of Light Pollution at the Tyrol Competence Center for Light Pollution and Night Skies - Helle Not
The public lecture “The Dark Side of Artificial Light”, presented by Stefanie Suchy, took place on 24 November 2025 at the Vienna Planetarium Lecture Hall and was successfully delivered in German.
The lecture explored the importance of natural darkness for humans, animals, and plants, highlighted the growing subject of light pollution, and discussed the effects of artificial light at night as well as approaches to its responsible use.
The event was attended by 18 participants on site. In addition, the lecture was offered as an online webinar via MyVHS and attracted a further 50 participants online, enabling broader public engagement beyond the venue.
Presenter: Stefanie Suchy, Head of Light Pollution at the Tyrol Competence Center for Light Pollution and Night Skies - Helle Not
The science workshop “From Sea of Lights to Nature Night”, presented by Stefanie Suchy and conducted in German, took place on 26 November 2025. Designed as a small-group format to encourage direct observation, discussion, and engagement, the workshop welcomed 18 registered participants.
The event combined a short introductory lecture at the Vienna Planetarium with an evening science walk in the nearby park. Participants explored the scientific significance of artificial light at night, examining outdoor lighting, light colour, and their effects on the surrounding night environment. Through hands-on observation, the workshop highlighted why understanding and managing artificial light is important for ecosystems, human well-being, and the preservation of natural darkness.
Presenters: Mr. Gerhard Grasnek, Deputy Head of MA33, Project Manager for the LED Conversion, Wien Leuchtet | Dr. Günther Wuchterl, Director of the Kuffner Observatory
Date & Time: December 19, 2025 | Vienna Planetarium Dome
The public event “Starlight of the Wilderness – Highlighting of the City – Vienna Light of the Future”, presented by Mr. Gerhard Grasnek, Deputy Head of MA33 and Project Manager for the LED Conversion, Wien Leuchtet, and Dr. Günther Wuchterl, Director of the Kuffner Observatory, took place on 19 December 2025 at the Vienna Planetarium Dome and was successfully delivered in German. The event was opened by Dr. Diana Wernisch, CIE Secretary General, who introduced the CIE and welcomed the speakers.
Following a short introduction to Vienna’s city lighting project, the presentation unfolded as a very impressive show at the Planetarium dome. Attendees experienced how innovation, technology, and science come together to enhance urban life, demonstrating the functional and aesthetic impact of carefully planned city lighting.
The event offered an accessible and inspiring insight into how lighting can shape urban spaces, making it memorable for anyone interested in lighting technology, urban planning, and the role of science in everyday life.
Presenter: Johannes Weninger, Team Leader, Research, Bartenbach GmbH
Introduction by: Gudrun Schach, CIE NC Austria, Chairwoman of LTG Austria (Lichttechnische Gesellschaft Österreichs - LTG)
Date & Time: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | Vienna Planetarium Lecture Hall
The public lecture “Light. Space. Impact.”, presented by Johannes Weninger, Team Leader, Research at Bartenbach GmbH, took place on 12 March 2026 at the Vienna Planetarium Lecture Hall and was successfully delivered in German. Gudrun Schach from CIE NC Austria / Chairwoman of LTG Austria, opened the event with a brief introduction.
The lecture explored the diverse effects of light on human perception, mood, and health, as well as its role in energy use, sustainability, and environmental impact. It highlighted how light shapes our experience of space and colour, supports well-being, and how improper lighting or overexposure can have negative consequences. The talk also emphasised the potential of thoughtful architectural and lighting design to harness light responsibly for the benefit of people and the environment.
Presented in an accessible way, the lecture offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of light’s many dimensions, making it valuable for anyone interested in the connections between light, health, ecology, and energy, regardless of prior knowledge.
The event was attended by 13 participants on site. In addition, the lecture was offered as an online webinar and attracted a further 17 participants online, enabling broader public engagement beyond the venue.
The walking tour will be guided by Ms. Iris Podgorschek (Podpod Design), Mr. Gerald Wötzl (MA33 - Wien Leuchtet, Stadt Wien), and Mr. Wilfried Gröblinger (MA34 - Bau- und Gebäudemanagement, Stadt Wien).
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 18:30 (Vienna time)
Location: Starting point Vienna Urania
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, a guided night walk took place in Vienna, led by lighting experts Ms. Iris Podgorschek, Mr. Gerald Wötzl, and Mr. Wilfried Gröblinger.
The event began at VHS Urania-Sternwarte with a welcome from CIE Secretary General Dr. Diana Wernisch, followed by short presentations from Ms. Podgorschek and Mr. Wötzl. The tour then highlighted how Vienna’s street lighting contributes to safety, well-being, and the city’s atmosphere. Participants passed several iconic landmarks, discovering how lighting enhances historic façades and shapes the perception of architecture and public space at night. The evening concluded with the festive illumination of the Vienna City Hall façade.
The tour lasted approximately two hours and was fully booked, reflecting strong interest and marking the event as a success.
The event supported the aims of the Understanding Science – Understanding Light project by presenting both the scientific and design aspects of urban lighting in an accessible, real-world context. It enabled participants to understand how research and lighting design together influence safety, perception, and light pollution, thereby strengthening public awareness of the role of science in addressing practical challenges.
The CIE invites you to join its upcoming special webinar entitled "Lighting the Way: Finding Balance Between Safety, Beauty, and the Night Sky" on the topic of light pollution, in celebration of the International Day of Light 2026 (16 May). The webinar will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 15:00 - 16:30 CEST.
Date & Time: May 15, 2025, 15:00 (CEST) - via Zoom
Duration: 1.5 hours (including Q&A session)
The webinar is free to join, but registration is required.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE
This webinar will bring together various perspectives on current practice and emerging priorities in light pollution, highlighting developments in policy, regulation, scientific research, and municipal and regional initiatives. The session will provide an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, learn what is happening in practice, and reflect on how these developments relate to existing CIE work and relevant CIE publications. It will also facilitate exchange between experts to support CIE’s guidance, recommendations, and potential future publications, while identifying topics and gaps that may benefit from further attention in current and future CIE activities. By linking real-world practice with CIE outputs, the session aims to inform and guide ongoing and future CIE work in this area.
CIE President Dr. Jennifer Veitch will open the webinar with an introduction to CIE work on this topic. This will be followed by contributions from invited experts, and the webinar will conclude with a 30-minute discussion and Q&A session joined by outdoor lighting expert(s) from CIE Division 4: Transportation and Exterior Applications.
The webinar will feature CIE experts Prof. Matej Kobav (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; CIE NC Slovenia), presenting Slovenia’s light pollution regulation and its effects in practice; Prof. Carolin Liedtke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – HAW Hamburg, Germany; CIE NC Germany), presenting the DARKER SKY project within the EU Interreg North Sea Region Programme; as well as updates from the Horizon Europe project PLAN-B, which investigates light pollution and its effects on terrestrial biodiversity, jointly presented by project experts Prof. Karolina Zielińska-Dąbkowska (Gdansk University of Technology, Poland) and Prof. Mike Wood (University of Salford, UK). The perspectives presented will also be reflected on by Prof. Steve Fotios (Associate Director of CIE Division 4), opening the discussion for audience interaction.
Presenter: Dr. Florian Stuker, Head of Laboratory Optics, Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS)
Panelist: Dipl.-Ing. Gudrun Schach, President of LTG Austria (Lichttechnische Gesellschaft Österreichs)
Moderator: Ms. Marlene Nowotny, Science journalist and editor at Ö1.
Welcoeme by: Ms. Veronica Kaup-Hasler, City Councillor for Culture and Science, City of Vienna
Date: Monday, 8 June, 2026 | 19:00 (Vienna time)
Location: Festsaal of the Vienna City Hall
The lecture will be held in German.
This event is in cooperation with Wienbibliothek im Rathaus / Wiener Vorlesungen
Join this distinguished lecture and discussion on light pollution topic, presented in collaboration with the Wiener Vorlesungen (Vienna Lectures). Mr. Stuker will deliver a 30–40 minute lecture, followed by an on-stage conversation moderated by Marlene Nowotny. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge insights and join the conversation firsthand!
Artificial light at night has become an integral part of our daily lives. It helps us stay safe after sunset—whether walking, cycling, or driving. It allows us to work, travel, or attend cultural events in the evening. Illuminated buildings and monuments also help keep our cultural heritage visible and alive.
Yet as useful as light at night is, it also brings challenges. Excessive or poorly designed lighting can affect our health by disrupting sleep and disturbing our natural day–night rhythm. Star gazing is also impacted—light pollution makes city skies so bright that many stars are barely visible. Animals and plants are affected as well: many species rely on darkness to navigate, hunt, or reproduce, and artificial light can confuse or endanger them. Plants, too, depend on natural rhythms, as darkness is essential for regulating processes such as growth.
This lecture explores how we can enjoy the benefits of outdoor lighting without harming people, nature, or the night sky. By managing light and darkness responsibly, we can protect our environment while still enjoying safe and beautifully lit nights.
Further information will be available soon. Registration will be available through Wiener Vorlesungen website.