Large audience at information event

All seats were taken in the ballroom of the Raiffeisenkassa Klosterneuburg: 160 citizens of Klosterneuburg had accepted the invitation by the team of IST Austria to attend the information evening on October 9 in order to obtain first hand information on the progress of the development of the research centre in Maria Gugging. The most important subjects: The Campus will remain open to the public and public transport will be improved considerably. 

Mayor Gottfried Schuh underlined in his greeting statement the importance of IST Austria for the future development of Klosterneuburg and praised the substantial PR efforts. Gerald Murauer, administrative manager of the Institute, explained the vision, the activities so far and the future steps in developing a research institution of international reputation. Architect Ernst Maurer gave a report on the construction progress. The first phase will be finalised by spring 2009: the lecture hall, the central building with the first working areas for scientists plus administration office space will be available by then. Gerhard Tretzmüller, head of the construction department of the province of Lower Austria, explained the embedding of the Institute in the R&D activities of Lower Austria and presented the plans for the spin off are, where companies will be placed that will turn scientific findings into profitable business activities. 

The questions from the audience focused on the construction activities and the public access of the Campus in the future. Gerald Murauer pointed out that a footpath across the Campus will be constructed, connecting the districts of Maria Gugging and Kierling; the path was added to the construction plan upon a suggestion of Campus neighbours. After 90 minutes of presentation and discussion host Oliver Lehmann – Head of Communications at IST Austria – invited the 160 visitors to the buffet where the conversations between the guests and the team of IST Austria continued in private atmosphere. 

The information events for the citizens of Klosterneuburg are to be continued – just as the very successful construction activity tours on the new Campus.