Profound expert on universities of applied sciences and campaigner for better framework conditions

"We are looking forward to a constructive collaboration with the new Science Minister Heinz Faßmann. We know that he is a profound expert on universities of applied sciences and their concerns," said FHK President Raimund Ribitsch in an initial reaction to Faßmann's appointment as Minister of Science.

As can be read in the government programme, the universities of applied sciences are to be expanded, i.e. more study places are to be made available here in future. "Real change requires a real expansion of study places. A genuine expansion of study places is only possible if research at universities of applied sciences is also strengthened and expanded," Ribitsch continued. To this end, the FHK has presented a 6-point package (see www.fhk.ac.at under "Positions"). In addition to maintaining the funding rates for university place financing and valorisation, the package calls for the expansion and strengthening of UAS research, accredited doctoral programmes and federally financed Master's programmes in the field of healthcare professions.