Long Night of Research: ‘Healthy Aging’ at the Medical University of Graz

04/16/2026 Campus

Interactive hands-on stations, fascinating talks and the chance to experience medicine in 3D

Get involved with hands-on stations - © Med Uni Graz

On 24 April, the Medical University of Graz will be showcasing its wide-ranging programme of events as part of the Long Night of Research, under the theme ‘Healthy Aging’. This varied programme offers fascinating insights into the topic of ‘Healthy Aging’, featuring numerous interactive hands-on stations, exciting guided tours and a diverse programme of talks.

Hands-on stations: From cellular ageing to cancer research and brain health

Our interactive stations demonstrate, among other things, how modern technologies such as NMR spectroscopy or digital pathology make diseases visible. They explore the influence of diet, sugar, fasting and exercise on metabolism, as well as new diagnostic methods such as liquid biopsy. The programme is complemented by hands-on activities on microscopy, skin health, nutritional medicine and insights into clinical trials and biobanks. For young visitors, the soft toy clinic also offers a playful introduction to medicine. Highlights include:

Cell aging: What makes nematodes younger – and perhaps us too
Experience how cells age – from DNA to cellular signalling pathways! At our hands-on station, you can isolate DNA yourself, analyse the organelles of ageing cells and observe, using nematodes, how new anti-ageing strategies intervene in cellular signalling pathways. You can even control another person’s hand. Immerse yourself in aging research at the Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

How do we research micro- and nanoplastics?
At our hands-on station, you’ll discover how micro- and nanoplastics are studied in the laboratory. A mystery box, quiz, microscope, plastic extraction and insights into cell culture will show you how research into plastic and its effects works. Additionally, those interested have the opportunity to take part in a study.

What keeps our brain fit – for a lifetime?
Find out how you can actively promote your brain health – through diet, exercise, mental activity, sleep, mindful media consumption and social interaction. We’ll show you how risk factors are identified, how ‘brain age’ is measured, and how normal aging can be distinguished from dementia. This highlights the contribution all these factors make to healthy aging.

How does sugar affect our metabolism?
Discover how diet and exercise influence metabolism and why sugar plays a central role in this. At interactive stations, you can measure your blood sugar, compare foods and test sensory impressions. At the same time, you’ll gain insights into current research and learn how all this can contribute to healthy ageing.

Why and how fasting and exercise can slow down Aging
Find out why controlled ‘stress’ through fasting and exercise can strengthen the body and how cellular processes help to slow down Aging. This station demonstrates the molecular mechanisms behind this and how these findings can be used to support healthy aging.

“Forever Young” – How collagen keeps us firm!
Collagen holds the body together – from the skin to the bones and tendons. Here you’ll discover how this structural protein is built, why it’s associated with youthfulness, and how electron microscopes reveal its finest details. You’ll learn what collagen has to do with healthy aging and how age, the environment and lifestyle alter its structure.

Fascinating talks on health

Alongside this, experts from the Medical University of Graz will give short talks on current topics such as genetic cancer risk, intermittent fasting, nutritional literacy, exercise and sport, bone health, regenerative technologies in medicine, and the MetAGE study, which investigates healthy aging from the cellular level to the human body.

Experience medicine in 3D

A special highlight will be two spectacular 3D insights into modern surgery in the Grand Anatomy Lecture Theatre. Visitors can follow a neurosurgical operation and a heart operation via an impressive 3D broadcast, gaining realistic insights into complex medical procedures.