15 Oct 2025
We have named our new Uranium-Thorium isotope geochemistry laboratory — the only one of its kind in Austria — in honor of Herbert W. Franke (1927–2022), who was the first to propose, in 1951, that radiometric techniques could be used to date speleothems. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Rector Veronika Sexl, Vice-Rector Manfred Lechner, and Susanne Paech, the widow of Herbert W. Franke. Her foundation, art meets science – Foundation Herbert W. Franke, will support the laboratory’s operations for the next ten years.
Images: Daniela Feichtner (BfÖ)
University press release
ORF report
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