1956-61, studies in Law and Political Science, University of Vienna; JD. Law court practice. 1963-75, Secretary, Socialist Party of Austria (SPOe - since 1992, Social Democratic Party of Austria) Parliamentary Group, Nationalrat (Parliament); since 1971, Member, Nationalrat, representing the Vienna constituency; 1975-83, Executive Floor Leader, SPOe Parliamentary Group, Nationalrat; since 1978, University Lecturer in Political Science; 1979, Deputy Chairman, SPOe; 1983-87, Federal Minister for Science and Research; 1987-90, Floor Leader, SPOe Parliamentary Group, Nationalrat; 1990, Speaker, Austrian Nationalrat; 1992, Vice-President, Party of European Socialists (PES); 1994, University Professor of Political Science; 1994, 1995 and 1999, re-elected Speaker of the Nationalrat. Member, Foreign Affairs Council. Since 2004, current position. Author of numerous books and articles on law and political science, including: The Austrian Political System; The Kreisky Era; Reflexionen. Co-Editor: Austrian Periodical on Political Science; Journal of Law Policy; Die Zukunft.