The deadline for Journalist in Residence applications to the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is October 31, 2025. Here’s more from a September 10, 2025 Institute of Science and Technology Austria press release on EurekAlert,
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) invites journalists to apply for its annual, generously funded residency program starting spring 2026. Come spend 3 to 6 months on ISTA’s vibrant, interdisciplinary campus near Vienna, gaining exclusive access to world-class researchers from a wide range of fields. Engage with innovative minds, deepen your reporting and perspectives, and connect society with scientific discovery.
About ISTA
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a rapidly growing, PhD-granting academic institution with a bold mission – to ask curiosity-driven questions and push the boundaries of basic research through collaboration across disciplines. With an expanding, state-of-the-art campus that first opened in 2009, ISTA currently hosts around 90 research groups and 78 nationalities. From AI to astrophysics and the climate to quantum mechanics, research areas span the mathematical and physical sciences, life sciences, and information and system sciences. Building on the momentum of recent years, ISTA is charting an ambitious course and on track to reach 150 research groups and more than 2,000 employees by 2036.
ISTA is a hub where science sparks innovation, engagement, and real-world impact. The Institute not only trains the next generation of scientific leaders but also strives to bring science closer to society through a variety of outreach programs – from the new VISTA Science Experience Center to start-ups and spin-offs supported by the XISTA ecosystem.
The Residency at a Glance:
- Duration: 3 to 6 months (starting in spring 2026)
- Compensation: €15,000 plus travel expenses
- Location: ISTA’s campus, Klosterneuburg (near Vienna, Austria)
- Eligibility: Experienced science or technology journalists (all formats welcome)
- Language: While English is ISTA’s working language, journalists publishing/producing in other languages are also encouraged to apply.
- Commitments: Journalists are expected to host interactive media training sessions and workshops, and participate in lectures and/or panel discussions to share their science communications expertise with the ISTA community.
- Housing: Participants cover their own room and board costs. Depending on availability, journalists can either live on campus within walking distance of the Vienna Woods or look for more urban accommodation in downtown Klosterneuburg or nearby Vienna.
Why Apply?
- Access – Interview leading scientists from around the world at one of Europe’s fastest-growing research institutes to enrich your reporting.
- Inspiration – Attend campus seminars, lectures, and events to spark fresh story ideas and gain rare insights into ongoing frontier research.
- Network – Connect with ISTA researchers and the wider ISTA community to build sources and relationships that will last beyond your stay.
- Focus – Dedicate time to your writing and/or multimedia projects in a stimulating yet tranquil setting, with all that Vienna has to offer right at your doorstep.
Application Requirements:
To apply, please submit the following materials to journalistresidency@ista.ac.at by October 31, 2025:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Samples of your best work (any format)
- Proposal of planned activities while at ISTA
- Names of 2 to 3 research groups you wish to engage with during the residency
For more details, please visit: ista.ac.at/residencies/
The press release offers one of the most complete descriptions of the requirements for the application that I can recall seeing. But, there is a little more information at ista.ac.at/residencies/,
When needed, ISTA supports residents with formalities to ensure a smooth arrival on campus.
While on site, journalists are hosted by the Communications team and artists by the Science Education unit.
Past Residents
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There is also an Artist in Residence call coming up in a few weeks,. from ista.ac.at/residencies/,,
Artist in Residence
The open call for the ISTA Artist Residency 2026 will be published in fall 2025. ISTA will invite established as well as emerging Austrian and international artists to apply. For more information, please reach out to artistresidency@ista.ac.at.
VISTA Science Experience Center (mentioned in the press release) is celebrating its opening in early October 2025, Note: This looks like it’s either an illustration or it’s a highly pixelated image,
From the VISTA Science Experience Center website (English language version), the festival program webpage,
Hello Science! Hello Vista!
3. – 5. Oktober 2025
Welcome to the opening of the VISTA Science Experience Center!
We are celebrating the opening of the VISTA Science Experience Center with a grand opening festival at the ISTA campus in Klosterneuburg. You can look forward to three days full of exciting highlights: from keynotes and panels to interactive workshops and concerts.
Be there when the first exhibition “Science in the Making” opens and immerse yourself in ISTA’s fascinating research. From neuroscience and climate research to quantum physics and AI – here you can experience the diversity and dynamism of 21st-century science. We look forward to seeing you there!
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The VISTA Science Experience Center website (English language version) can be found here and XISTA ecosystem here.
Good luck with your application!