Cloud Computing - Up in the Air?

Cloud computing is still a relatively new technology. This article introduces some of the currently available applications and services based on cloud computing, highlighting the anticipated benefits and discussing some of the inherent challenges for providers, consumers, and governments.

Developing the Smart Grid: from Breakdown to Breakthrough

The 2003 electricity blackout was one of the largest in US history, leaving 50 million people without power and providing ample proof that the aging US power grid is in need of an update. A possible solution involves specific upgrades of the old grid to a so-called Smart Grid. 

NSB's Policy Recommendations to the US Science & Engineering Indicators 2010

In January, the NSB published the nineteenth in its series of biennial science indicators reports, which are widely regarded as an authoritative source for analyses of key aspects of the scope and quality of the US science and engineering enterprise in the context of global S&T.

After more than a decade of preparation, the first private international university of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will open its doors this May, with 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate students, an international faculty, and even Internet access.

A Bright Alternative: Austro-Indian Solar Cooking Initiatives

WHO estimates that 400,000 of India's citizens die prematurely every year due to the harmful effects of biomass fuel used in households. An Austrian physicist, Wolfgang Scheffler, has been providing his expertise in parabolic concentrator solar cooking for 16 years, with no compensation, to help improve this situation. 

Introducing Julia Neubauer - Care, Kindness and International Charity

Julia Neubauer is CFO and current site director for the Ashraya Initiative for Children, a home for street children that she co-founded in 2004. Originally from Rohrbach, Austria, she decided to leave her life as a financial analyst at Princeton for a life of charitable work in Pune, India.

"Smart Power" Nuclear Diplomacy

by Siegfried S. Hecker

As the world becomes more globally connected and technologically complex, issues such as nuclear security, cyber security, biosecurity, and energy will require scientists to exercise “smart power” to help governments move toward a safer and better world.

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Five Days in Myanmar – Science Diplomacy at 46.8 Degrees C.

by Norman P. Neureiter

During the initial exploratory science diplomacy visit to Myanmar, the AAAS delegation met with scientists and officials in substantive areas in which best chances exist for finding common interests and opportunities for real cooperation.

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Return of the Austrians

by Sascha Cocron


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Inside the Black Box of Science Advisory Committee Empanelment

The selection and appointment of committee members to advise policy makers  is a largely unstudied aspect of science policy. However, it is an area with significant importance for understanding the role of expertise in decision making and the intersection of science and politics.

Physics with Rudi Grimm: a (Very) Cool Adventure

Meet Austrian Scientist of the Year and experimental physicist Rudolf Grimm who uses laser light to cool atoms and other particles to extremely low temperatures.

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Bologna Reloaded: a Review of the First Decade of Working on the European Higher Education Area

Learn about the accomplishments of outstanding Austrian scientists and scholars in North America.