The Board of the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) emphasises that, in addition to basic research, applied research at UASs also requires reliable and appropriate funding. The Board, in which the management boards and heads of colleges of all 21 UASs are represented, appeals to the federal government and in particular to Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner to implement the current government programme quickly in this regard.

The current government programme provides for important measures in the area of applied research and teaching. For example, a new UAS development and funding plan for 2026-2030 with greater consideration of a research component and an increase in thematic and competitive research funding is planned. This should improve financial planning security for UASs.

"Especially in times of crisis, it is important to promote application-oriented research more strongly, as it ensures the competitiveness of our domestic economy and the resilience of our society. An investment in applied research and science is a direct investment in our future," explains the FHK Executive Board.

"Our researchers are working on practical solutions - from health to social affairs to STEM. To ensure that this innovative strength does not fail due to a loss of purchasing power, short-term funding logics or a lack of planning security, clear signals are needed now: sufficient funding, reliable multi-year frameworks and an immediate valorisation of funding rates," emphasises the FHK Executive Board.

The Executive Board also reiterates its call for independent, accredited doctoral programmes. In order to strengthen their research-led teaching and innovation mission, independent doctoral programmes are essential for UASs in order to secure and expand research, particularly in the field of future technologies. The government programme already provides for the examination of a doctoral model, also in cooperation with European universities. The FHK is in favour of this proposal, insofar as the awarding of titles remains with the FH/HAW. This is because it is not acceptable for doctorates to be run and financed at Austrian UASs, but for the academic degree to be awarded abroad, thereby reflecting the academic reputation abroad. The FHK is therefore calling for a clear roadmap towards independent, quality-assured doctoral programmes at UASs.