Dr. Heinz Fischer, Former Federal President of the Republic of Austria, will deliver the Annual Botstiber Lecture, "Austria 1918 - 2018," at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2017.
Dr. Heinz Fischer. Photo: Österreichische Präsidentschaftskanzlei/ Photo Simonis
The lecture is hosted by the Embassy of Austria and sponsored by the Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies, a program of the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation. The institute promotes an understanding of the historic relationship between the United States and Austria, including Habsburg Austria, by awarding grants and fellowships, organizing lectures and conferences, and publishing the Journal of Austrian-American History.
The event is open to the public and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. Registration is necessary, please RSVP your attendance through Eventbrite.
Dr. Heinz Fischer served as Federal President of Austria from 2004 to 2016. He currently holds the chairmanship of the Advisory Council for the Commemorative Year 2018, which coordinates all official activities focusing on the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Austria in 1918, and the commemoration of the Events of 1938 (the annexation of Austria by Nazi-Germany and the Pogrom Night). From 1995 to 2002, he held the position of president of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism. Heinz Fischer previously served as Federal Minister of Science and Research from 1983 to 1987. From 1990 to 2002, he was elected three times as Speaker of the National Council (the Austrian House of Representatives) as well as Deputy Speaker from 2002-2004 until his election (and subsequent reelection) by popular vote as Austrian Head of State. As a member of the Social Democratic Party, he was the Vice Chairman of the party from 1978 to 2004, as well as Vice Chairman of the European Social Democrats from 1992 to 2004. He was appointed a full professor in Political Science at the University of Innsbruck, and served as Vice President of the Institute for Advanced Studies from 1984 to 2004. He is the co-publisher of several journals in the field of politics, law, and European integration. Besides, he has authored numerous books and articles on the above subjects.