The expansion of the DAS was made possible through the EXDIGIT (Excellence in Digital Sciences and Interdisciplinary Technologies) project, funded by the State of Salzburg with approximately 10 million euros. This is the largest single investment to date in research funding by the State of Salzburg. Today, about 150 scientific staff work at DAS, including around 40 professors, who in turn supervise approximately 3,000 students. Students can choose from four bachelor’s programs, seven master’s programs, and two teaching subjects. Additionally, there are two doctoral programs. Other facilities include the IDA-Lab, the CD Lab GEOHUM, and the iDEAS lab
High Third-Party Funding
“It is remarkable that more than half of the scientists are funded through third-party projects,” says Bathke. “In other words, the federally funded researchers at DAS are so successful that they can, on average, finance another person through project funds.” However, there is a real challenge for everyone working in digital-analytical disciplines with interdisciplinary applications, Bathke continues: The cooperation requests from other areas always far exceed the available personnel capacities. Almost every discipline would like to collaborate with digital-analytical experts – no other academic field has come into focus as much in recent years.
Three New Bridging Professorships
Now, three interdisciplinary endowed professorships from EXDIGIT are also strengthening the faculty. They serve as interdisciplinary docking points, especially between the disciplines of the faculty, but also for researchers from other areas and institutions. Christine Bauer analyzes recommendation systems, Franz-Benjamin Mocnik researches the communication of places, and Frank Pallas builds bridges between the technical and legal worlds.
Science and Innovation Strategy 2030
Supporting the faculty was a logical consequence of the Science and Innovation Strategy of the State of Salzburg, which focuses on digitalization topics, among other things. Governor Wilfried Haslauer: “With WISS 2030, Salzburg pursues the ambitious goal of positioning our state as a scientific location with national and international appeal. With the establishment of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, a milestone for the successful development of the University of Salzburg has been set. The flagship project EXDIGIT now provides the best possible conditions after two years of intensive work. Salzburg aims to stand for excellence, internationality, and the highest standards, thus becoming a sought-after partner beyond the region.”
Source: Press release by PLUS
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