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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 held its 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 took place on Friday, 15 May 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST via Zoom.
The session brought together a range of perspectives on current practice and emerging priorities in light pollution, highlighting developments in policy, regulation, scientific research, and municipal and regional initiatives. It provided an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, learn about ongoing activities in practice, and reflect on how these developments relate to existing CIE work and relevant CIE publications. It also facilitated 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 aimed to inform and guide ongoing and future CIE work in this area.
CIE President Dr. Jennifer Veitch opened the webinar with an introduction to CIE work on the topic. The webinar featured CIE experts Prof. Matej Kobav (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; CIE NC Slovenia), who presented Slovenia’s light pollution regulation and its effects in practice; Prof. Carolin Liedtke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – HAW Hamburg, Germany; CIE NC Germany), who presented 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 were also reflected on by Prof. Steve Fotios (Associate Director of CIE Division 4), who opened the discussion for audience interaction.
The recording of the webinar and presentation slides are available here.
On Monday, 8 June 2026, the CIE science communication project “Understanding Science – Understanding Light” concluded with a public lecture “Light at Night – A Blessing or a Threat?“ and discussion on light pollution in the Festsaal of the Vienna City Hall. The event was held in cooperation with the Wiener Vorlesungen and the Wienbibliothek im Rathaus and attracted strong interest from the Viennese public, with around 250 participants attending in person.
The evening opened with remarks by Ms. Anita Eichinger, Director of the Wienbibliothek im Rathaus, followed by welcome words from Dr. Diana Wernisch, Secretary General of the CIE.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Florian Stuker, Head of Laboratory Optics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and expert in CIE Division 2. His talk addressed the benefits and challenges of artificial light at night, including its role in safety, mobility and culture, as well as its impacts on human health, ecosystems and the night sky. The lecture highlighted the need to balance useful outdoor lighting with responsible lighting design, reducing unnecessary light pollution while preserving safety, functionality and quality of life.
Following the lecture, an on-stage discussion was moderated by science journalist Ms. Marlene Nowotny from Ö1, with a panel contribution from Dipl.-Ing. Gudrun Schach, Chair of the Austrian Lighting Society (Lichttechnische Gesellschaft Österreichs - LTG). The discussion gave the audience the opportunity to reflect on practical questions around outdoor lighting, public space, environmental responsibility and the role of lighting knowledge in everyday decision-making.
After the official end of event, an invited LTG / CIE National Committee Austria get-together took place at the Nordbuffet of the Vienna City Hall. The gathering provided an opportunity for networking and exchange within the lighting community.
The lecture was livestreamed via the Wiener Vorlesungen YouTube channel, and the recording is available in German on YouTube here.
Dr. Stuker's presentation slides can be downloaded here.
A short interview conducted by Wien 24 (W24) on the occasion of this event is available to watch here (English).
This event was in cooperation with Wienbibliothek im Rathaus / Wiener Vorlesungen
