Utl.: UAS research is an important driver of innovation for Austria as a business location - what is needed now is stability in funding

"It is really impressive to see the high level of commitment and perseverance with which research is being driven forward at universities of applied sciences. There is enormous potential here in terms of research talent, expertise, excellence and, above all, motivation and passion," said an enthusiastic FHK President, Ulrike Prommer, at this year's Research Forum of the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. "The universities of applied sciences are conducting research into the key future topics of our time, such as renewable forms of energy, new and sustainable production processes, new forms of construction and housing, social security, nutrition, health and much more. This research has a high impact and moves us forward as a society," says Prommer. "And yet universities of applied sciences currently have to conduct research from project to project. Infrastructure and research careers as well as the dissemination of research results cannot be secured because there is a lack of sustainable funding for research. The essential return flow of research results into teaching is jeopardised. We finally need fair competitive conditions in the form of sustainable funding for research from the BMBWF. The facts are all on the table. Now action must follow!"

An important step in making progress here is dialogue with politicians. The Research Forum of the Universities of Applied Sciences provides the ideal framework for this, as this is where UAS research meets research policy every year.

In his statement, Science Minister Martin Polaschek emphasised that universities of applied sciences have established themselves as research institutions and are achieving remarkable things. As practice-orientated universities, they can above all bring science closer to the people and contribute to transferring science into society. When asked about the universities of applied sciences' core demand for sustainable research funding, he pointed out that this topic was part of the current negotiations with the FHK.

The Governor of Carinthia, Peter Kaiser, then emphasised the great importance and strong networking of universities of applied sciences with their regional environment. Universities of Applied Sciences stand for applied research that tackles the challenges of society in a solution-orientated manner. Knowledge in all its applications is the greatest productive force to be relied upon. He supports the universities of applied sciences in their demand for financial security and stability.

Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Technologies, represented the position of industry. Cooperations in research and generally close networking with application- and above all solution-orientated research institutions such as universities of applied sciences are of crucial importance for companies and for securing their position in Austria. It is precisely this form of co-operation that can be a locational advantage and thus relevant to a company's decision-making.

Herlitschka expressly supports the universities of applied sciences' call for sustainable research funding that follows performance-related criteria, as it is particularly important at universities of applied sciences to closely link teaching and research so that new job profiles can emerge. This is precisely the quality of graduates that companies urgently need; more than ever, the economy needs academically sound, application-orientated skilled workers.