JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas remarked, "We have a lot of plans in the works that will focus on new cooperation projects, unexpected approaches, and high-profile guest speakers."

The Kepler Salon hosts over 100 events annually, all designed with a distinct philosophy to share information and expertise: Access to all. Cutting-edge presentations from various fields of science, society, art, and culture introduce guests to diverse topics and new ideas which are then discussed in detail with the audience.

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas added, "The Kepler Salon is both an open space and event format. We are a tolerant society and the Salon provides a space to think and speak freely and debate openly. Space for enlightenment. In this regard, the Kepler Salon is an ideal partner for the JKU. We have multiple points of contact: not just that the university’s namesake once resided at Rathausgasse 5, but the Salon’s open access and diversity are also clearly in line with the way we want to present our university: Education for anyone who is interested and education that goes beyond just conveying application-oriented knowledge."

Synergy between the Kepler Tribune and Kepler Salon
Rector Lukas expressed that Salon’s city-center location is ideal for the JKU. "This additional university location puts us in the city and in the public eye, just as our participation in the 2016 ‘Klangwolke’ event and the pop-up SciBar on the main square in Linz. We hope to be seen by more people." The Rector also remarked that the "Kepler Tribune", the JKU’s high-quality academic publication, also aligns well with the "Kepler Society" and is close to the respective target groups.

The Kepler Salon’s format has been proven since 2009 and even under JKU management, the format will retain its current independent character. In addition, the Johannes Kepler University will organize its own public outreach events at the Kepler Salon, such as ethical discourse between science and the church. The Kepler Salon will also serve as a think tank for important socio-political issues.

Director Norbert Trawöger will continue to organize a high quality, varied program of events. Director Trawöger added, "The Kepler Salon is an eagerly anticipated space in our society and the continual support and positive feedback is encouraging. We want to keep this unique spirit of enlightenment and inspiration alive."

Mag. Wolfgang Modera, the outgoing President of the Kepler Salon, remarked, "We, the Salon board, are very pleased that Johannes Kepler University will manage the Kepler Salon starting January 1, 2019, providing a secure future for a very important civil social institution in our city. We are also very pleased that Norbert Trawöger will continue as the Salon’s director and that the Salon’s open spirit will continue."

In terms of content, the "Friends of the Kepler Salon" association will continue providing their support. The association has built up an extensive network over the years and is committed to lively exchange and discourse on hot-button issues.

The Kepler Salon – A Place of Awareness and Understanding
Launched in 2009 when Linz was the European Capital of Culture, the Kepler Salon has been a place for understanding and awareness since 2009. Visited annually by over 7,000 visitors, the Salon collaborates closely with scientific, academic, and cultural community in Linz.

Astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler lived and worked in the Upper Austrian capital between 1612 and 1627. Along with Galilei and Newton, Johannes Kepler is one of the most highly regarded scientists and academics of the Scientific Revolution and serves as the Salon’s patron and namesake.

An Overview of Upcoming Events

• October 1, 7:30 PM: „… ein zukünftiges Europa, an das ich glaube …“ – Hugo Kauder, ein Wiener Komponist im Exil
• October 6, 8:00 PM: Kepler Salon Extra Extern: Wer war 1968? – Sit-in im Rahmen der „Langen Nacht der Museen“ (Veranstaltungsort: Nordico Stadtmuseum)
• October 8, 7:30 PM: Tu Fehler und sprich darüber: Ein Plädoyer für eine offene Fehlerkultur
• October 15, 7:30 PM: Keplers Leben und Wirken in Linz
• October 16, 6:15 PM: relatifs: Koloniale Ausstellungsstücke – Human Remains in wissenschaftlichen Sammlungen (Veranstaltungsort: Expostmusik der Kunstuniversität Linz)
• October 17, 7:00 PM: Salongespräche #10: Alternative Formen der Bestattung
• October 18, 7:30 PM: Exzentrizität, Oszillation und Übergang

See: www.kepler-salon.at, opens an external URL in a new window for additional information.