RESEARCH
The areas of research strength are each driven by several departments at the University of Klagenfurt. Here, multiple research groups collaborate on relevant topics that generate high international visibility and are firmly integrated into structures designed to nurture early career researchers, such as the doctoral programmes and the Karl Popper Kolleg at the University of Klagenfurt. At present, the areas of research strength are:
AREA OF RESEARCH STRENGTH
Digital Health
Research in the field of Digital Health is a key driver of modern, accessible and patient-centred healthcare. At a time when populations are ageing, chronic diseases are on the rise and medical staff are in short supply in many places around the globe, digitalisation offers the opportunity to radically transform the healthcare system. Scientific findings ensure that digital applications are not only innovative, but also effective, safe, and ethically sound. Research ensures that cutting-edge technologies, management and communication approaches can be developed in a targeted manner, critically evaluated and integrated into existing preventive care and healthcare structures in a purposeful way. And thus, it forms the foundation for adaptive and forward-looking medical science, where people can benefit from a greater awareness of preventive care, better diagnoses and individualised therapies.
AREA OF RESEARCH STRENGTH
Multiple Perspectives in Optimization
Complex optimization problems are our constant companions in daily life. Modern mathematical methods of modelling, analysis, and simulation are therefore necessary to support decision-making. This involves discrete, continuous and stochastic aspects – often in combination. The key to analysing and ultimately solving these problems lies in transcending the boundaries of individual mathematical disciplines and harnessing the innovative potential that this creates. The area of research strength known as “Multiple Perspectives in Optimization” (MPOpt) is dedicated to this thematic remit. It is primarily driven by the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Statistics.
AREA OF RESEARCH STRENGTH
Networked and autonomous systems
The area of research strength Networked and Autonomous Systems (NAS) is an established and dynamic focus at the University of Klagenfurt. It is supported by three departments within the Faculty of Technical Sciences: Networked and Embedded Systems (NES), Intelligent Systems Technologies (IST) and Information Technology (ITEC). NAS thus unites the disciplines of Computer Science and Information and Communications Engineering. Its research topics include autonomous state estimation, autonomous navigation, wireless communication, sensor and camera networks, self-organising systems, swarm robotics, real-time data processing and AI-supported decision-making.
Additionally, several research groups also form networked research clusters that advance interdisciplinary research projects. At present, the research clusters are:
RESEARCH CLUSTER
Energy Management & Energy Technology
Researchers in this flagship research cluster develop ecologically, technologically and economically beneficial solutions thus contributing to a sustainable society and economy. Research in this field aims to contribute to resolving these challenges in accordance with the European Union’s 20-20-20 targets: a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse emissions, a 20 per cent increase in energy efficiency and for 20 per cent of all energy consumed to come from renewable energy sources.
RESEARCH CLUSTER
Sustainability
Global climate change and energy and natural resource shortages are two of the “Grand Challenges” facing the European Union. Research into sustainability at AAU approaches these challenges from the same standpoint as the German government’s Scientific Advisory Board on Global Climate Change that a ‘great transformation’ in production, consumption and lifestyle is needed to meet them. Such a transformation can only be achieved by using technological and also social innovations to change society. There is a long tradition of research into sustainability at the University of Klagenfurt. The university’s many contributions to the field are connected to its flagship ‘Sustainability’ research cluster.
RESEARCH CLUSTER
Self-organizing Systems
This flagship research cluster attempts to understand systems in which each individual component interacts and responds with the system’s other components and the environment. Nature is often used as an example for processes in economics, psychology and technology.
RESEARCH CLUSTER
Visual Culture
For a long time, researchers in humanities and cultural studies focused almost exclusively on texts. Now, however, images are also being explored to find out how they communicate meaning in cultural and social contexts. The focus of this exploration is on the cultural construction of the visual. Here researchers deal with the visual character of works of art, such as paintings or successful films, as well as the images from TV, advertising and video games that are seeping into everyday life and helping to shape identities. Interactive visual media in particular, such as the internet, mobile phone apps and video games, present new challenges and are the subject of increasing research.
Other research clusters
Other areas of research focus, such as Educational Research, Public Health and Entrepreneurship, also have the potential to enhance the university’s profile in future.
Much of this work is based on the fact that digitalisation (Humans of the Digital Age) now permeates vast areas of human life and is thus a vital principle for making sense of problems and generating new solutions. In many of these research activities, digitalisation is not viewed solely from a purely technical perspective, but is embedded fully in the research work along with its many dimensions. In this context, humans are considered as a force for disruptive transformation, with a focus on how digitalisation can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
