Appeal to science and research policy at the 12th FH Research Forum at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences

"The current development and funding plan for universities of applied sciences expires at the end of the 2017/18 academic year. We now urgently need a new planning document that must contain important strategic decisions and measures for better framework conditions for universities of applied sciences," said FHK President Ribitsch in his welcoming speech at the 12th FH Research Forum at FH Salzburg. From the point of view of the universities of applied sciences, the new development and financing plan must include the following points:

  • Expansion of the FH sector through additional study places

Every year, 50,000 applicants have to be turned away because there are not enough places for them. In addition, the economy is desperately in need of graduates.

  • Valorisation of study place funding (last done in 2016)

With rising inflation rates, it is practically impossible to attract or retain the necessary staff without valorisation of funding rates. The result is an exodus of highly qualified scientific staff abroad.

  • Introduction of continuous research funding for universities of applied sciences

Universities of applied sciences conduct application-oriented research and are therefore an important link to the economy. Without continuous financial support, the universities of applied sciences cannot utilise this leverage effect for the economy.

  • Introduction of externally accredited doctoral programmes at universities of applied sciences

This structural measure is urgently needed in order to be able to further develop UAS-specific research areas and offer researchers attractive career prospects.

In his speech, Federal Minister Heinz Faßmann emphasised the great importance of universities of applied sciences for Austria as a centre of science, referring to his many years on the supervisory board of a university of applied sciences. He committed himself to the further expansion of the UAS sector and spoke in favour of promoting doctoral cooperation between UASs and universities.

During the subsequent panel discussion on the COIN research programme, FHK Executive Board member Andreas Altmann replicated Faßmann's speech. Although he emphasised the importance of cooperation with universities in the area of doctorates, he also stressed that universities of applied sciences could not make do with this. For UAS-specific research interests, there is often no suitable field of research at universities, bottlenecks in resources and therefore no suitable supervisors for dissertations. "The doctorate at universities of applied sciences must not fall victim to professional politics. We need to free ourselves from the feudal thinking patterns of professional politics," emphasised Altmann.

In the panel discussion between the science spokespersons of the Neos, ÖVP and SPÖ parties, Claudia Gamon and Philip Kucher showed themselves to be knowledgeable experts on the landscape of universities of applied sciences, both emphasising the need for continuous research funding at universities of applied sciences. Claudia Gamon also spoke out in favour of overcoming the professional arrogance that still exists. A fact-based discussion about externally quality-assured doctoral programmes at universities of applied sciences would be welcome, said Gamon. Universities of applied sciences that are willing and able to offer doctoral programmes should not be denied this opportunity, provided that external quality assurance agrees. Rudolf Taschner from the ÖVP also agreed with this opinion. In his opinion, there is nothing to be said against externally accredited doctoral programmes at universities of applied sciences that are linked to the research interests of business partners.

At the end of the event, the flag was handed over to the FH Wr. Neustadt, which will host the research forum on 24/25 April 2019.

Enquiries & contact:

Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (FHK)

Secretary General Kurt Koleznik

kurt.koleznik@fhk-alt.local

Tel.: 0664/4244294

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