Team

We at Österreich forscht value good cooperation and enjoy working as a team, as we complement each other well. Here, all our staff members introduce themselves, their interests and hobbies, and describe what they particularly appreciate about Citizen Science and their work at Österreich forscht. We hope you enjoy getting to know our team members.

Daniel Dörler

Founder and coordinator of Österreich forscht

Daniel is a zoologist and already planned to study zoology as a child. He realised his career aspiration and graduated from the University of Vienna in zoology with a focus on evolutionary biology. After a short break in the private sector, he completed his doctorate in ecology at BOKU University, where he first came into contact with Citizen Science.

At Österreich forscht, he is responsible for updating platform content, (re)designing texts and platform areas, and posts regularly on Facebook. Daniel writes on the blog and organises and coordinates the events of Österreich forscht. He also gives lectures and presentations on citizen science, conducts courses and training sessions on citizen science and is also very well networked internationally in the field of citizen science through his role as head of a European working group on Citizen Science Networks.

What excites me about citizen science .... the opportunity of working together with a group of committed people to discover things that could not be discovered without citizen science. For me, citizen science is a group experience that is fun, sometimes challenging and opens up new perspectives.

What I like about my work is ... the variety. In my role as coordinator of Österreich forscht and researcher at BOKU, I am always at the interface between science and society, and I also have insights into many different research areas and organisations, which allows me to constantly gain new experiences.

I recharge my batteries ... on the one hand through direct (and hopefully positive) feedback during presentations and lectures, and on the other hand through regular time off.

The best balance to work for me is ... sports, quality time with friends and travelling.

I find inspiration ... mostly while running, when I let my thoughts run freely and don't think about anything in particular.

Florian Heigl

Founder and coordinator of Österreich forscht

Florian is an agroecologist, specialising in road ecology and citizen science during his PhD at BOKU University. During his doctorate, he founded the platform Österreich forscht together with Daniel and has been developing it ever since.

At Österreich forscht, Florian is primarily responsible for strategic development and coordination. He takes care of platform content, writes on the blog and manages the Österreich forscht LinkedIn account. He also conducts research in the Roadkill project, teaches several courses and training sessions on citizen science at BOKU and leads working groups in the Citizen Science Network Austria.

When Florian is not working on citizen science, he can be found in the Waldviertel with his family, either playing with his children, in the garden or on the water with his kayak.

What excites me about citizen science is ... the combination of scientific theory and practice as well as the exchange with wider society. Through this exchange, I hope that we can solve problems in our environment together and with scientific methods.

What I like about my work is ... the diverse fields of activity and the constant change of perspectives.

I recharge my batteries ... in the garden or on the water.

The best balance to work for me is ... playing with the children and doing sports in nature.

I find inspiration ... in nature.

Barbara Heinisch

Project assistant

Barbara does her research and teachings in the field of specialised translation and also works as a translator and terminologist at the University of Vienna. She is enthusiastic about Citizen Science from different perspectives (both in theory and practice as well as on a strategic level). During her doctorate, she already gained her first experience with citizen science as a project coordinator and dealt extensively with the "translation" aspect of science, which also led her to BOKU University.

At Österreich forscht, she is implementing the Citizen Science strategy of Österreich forscht together with Daniel and Florian. To this end, she will work with the partners to implement activities that increase cooperation between projects and the visibility of Österreich forscht.

What excites me about Citizen Science is ... developing science further, being able to provide an insight into research and, ideally, using research to achieve an impact outside of science.

What I like about my work is ... not just looking at Citizen Science in Austria from the perspective of theory and practice, but being able to develop and drive it forward myself.

I recharge my batteries ... in the countryside.

The best balance to work for me is ... not thinking about work ?.

I find inspiration ... through new and unknown things, as well as different perspectives.

Meret Siemen

Student Assistant

Meret Siemen is pursuing a Master's degree in Philosophy and feels very comfortable at BOKU despite her love for the humanities. After some forays into the art and cultural sector, working in theater, and spending several years at the Chair of Philosophy and Ethics in School and Society at the University of Vienna, she has finally extended her feelers towards science journalism. With years of experience in community radio, she can now combine her passion for asking questions and learning with journalistic practice.

At Österreich forscht, she is responsible for producing the Citizen Science podcast "Wissen macht Leute," which she took over from Alina Hauke in early 2025. She ensures that all content on the website is up to date and meets the criteria for accessibility and gender-inclusive language. Additionally, she supports Florian and Daniel with other administrative tasks, social media, and the blog.

What excites me about Citizen Science ... is the respectful (and often enthusiastic!) engagement and relationship between academics and non-academics. The mutual learning process, which, in addition to scientific results, also brings joy.

What I like about my work is ... observing how much joy science can bring to people. Also: The friendly interaction, curiosity and openness, and that I'm allowed to ask anything.

I recharge my energy ... by swimming, making collages, or creating music.

The best balance to work for me is ... meeting friends, listening to the radio, reading, cooking, and going on vacation.

I find inspiration ... actually everywhere. Just open your eyes and prick up your ears.

Alina Hauke

Project assistant

Alina is a geographer with a passion for ecology, soils, and science communication. Since 2019, she has been producing a monthly radio show on Radio Orange. Alina is always up for spending time in nature, enjoying good food, and engaging in profound conversations.

For Österreich forscht, Alina established the Citizen Science podcast "Wissen macht Leute" with support from Lisa Recnik and produced it until the end of 2024. Since the beginning of 2025, Alina has been organizing the "Leading Lights" project, which supports and promotes early-career scientists at BOKU University in science communication.

What excites me about Citizen Science ... is the involvement of many different people, the open and inclusive approach, as well as the effort to make science more tangible.

What I like about my work is ... coordinating, my independence, and my creative freedom.

I recharge my energy ... through exchanges with dear people, in nature, and through sports.

The best balance to work for me is ... going outside, climbing, reading, and realizing creative projects.

I find inspiration ... while traveling, listening to music, and taking walks.