Smart Factory Lab of FH Salzburg, photo: FH Salzburg/Sandra Lagler

1. September 2022

Research and Transfer Centers in Salzburg

Salzburg has a strong research landscape with six universities and universities of applied sciences, as well as numerous non-university research institutions. The WISS2030 initiative further strengthens research structures in Salzburg.

A central focus at the Salzburg research location is the transfer of knowledge and know-how to the economy. Research centers and initiatives are working to expand the interface between science and business.

These are Salzburg’s key research and transfer centers:

Digitalization

Josef Ressel Center for Intelligent and Secure Industrial Automation

The Josef Ressel Center for Intelligent and Secure Industrial Automation at FH Salzburg conducts research under the direction of FH-Prof. DI Dr. Stefan Huber on the fundamentals of digital assistants for industrial machines that enable intelligent and secure operations. This assistant should be capable of relieving and supporting human operation by providing assistance in monitoring and controlling machines. The three research fields, OT Architecture, OT Intelligence, and OT Security, form the foundation for the digital assistant. The center was opened in the summer of 2022. Partners include the companies Copa-Data, B&R Industrial Automation, and SIGMATEK.

To the website

Center for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS)

The Center for Geoinformatics is an interdisciplinary competence center for GISciences at the University of Salzburg. Z_GIS collaborates with academic and industrial partners to conduct research on geospatial issues in both fundamental and applied research. The research focus lies in the areas of Earth Observation Analytics with an emphasis on object-based image analysis, monitoring and resource management, landscape structure analysis, security and vulnerability research, as well as mobility research and geo-social analyses.

To the website

Christian Doppler Laboratory gEOHum

Part of Z_GIS is the Christian Doppler Laboratory gEOHum (Earth Observation for Humanitarian Action). The laboratory, which was opened 2020, investigates the extent to which satellite imagery and other Earth observation data can support humanitarian missions and collaborates with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). This marks the first collaboration between a Christian Doppler Laboratory and an NGO.

Geospatial information allows for better assessment of crisis areas and planning of relief efforts. The gEOHum team, led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Lang, utilizes this information to create real-time map representations. Artificial intelligence methods aid in the extraction, analysis, and processing of the data.

To the website

Josef Ressel Center for Secure Energy Informatics

With the digital transformation of the energy sector, traditional energy grids are becoming intelligent (Smart Grids). Digitization creates interfaces with other areas such as electromobility and smart homes.

The Center for Secure Energy Informatics (ZSE), as the successor organization to the Josef Ressel Center for user-oriented Smart Grid Privacy, Security, and Control (2013 – 2017), collaborates with industry and research partners to research the digitization of future energy systems and their protection against external attacks and data misuse. The ZSE is based at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and is led by Prof. Dr. Dominik Engel. Research partners include Salzburg Research, Salzburg AG, Salzburg Wohnbau, successfactory consulting group, and Bosch.

To the website

Josef Ressel Center for Dependable System-of-Systems Engineering

The Josef Ressel Centre at FH Salzburg led by FH-Prof. Dr. Christian Neureiter conducts research on “Dependable System-of-Systems Engineering.” In collaboration with industry partners, it explores methods for developing reliable cyber-physical systems, focusing on examples such as Smart Grid, Smart Cities, Automotive, and Industry 4.0. These cyber-physical systems, which combine hardware and software components, such as electric vehicles or Smart Grids, are critical components of the future, requiring reliable operation.

To the website

Center for Human Computer Interaction

The Center for Human-Computer Interaction in Salzburg focuses under the direction of FH-Prof. Dr. Christian Neureiter on the relationship between humans and computers or technologies. It conducts interdisciplinary research on various topics with the goal of understanding how technology can support individuals in their daily lives. The research encompasses not only the technological aspects but also psychology, sociology, design, and aesthetics.

To the website

I3Lab

Location focus HCI/Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces (AIHI).
The Joint PLUS/AIT Lab aims to provide impetus in the sense of transfer in the field of new interface solutions for the economy, industry, and society, to bundle the corresponding competencies, and to initiate and implement new perspectives with Next Generation HCI research.

To the website

COMET Projekt DiMo-NEXT

The COMET Project DiMo-NEXT of the Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft will address various topics related to digital movement. This will involve integrating transdisciplinary behavioral psychology, movement data analysis, sustainable materials, and sensor technology in the application areas of sports, health, and well-being. Using a data-driven and human-centered approach combined with digital technologies such as personalized advice, explainable AI, and intelligent and sustainable materials, the project will explore how behavioral changes can be facilitated and how the experience of physical activity, athletic performance, and overall well-being can be improved.

Corporate partners in the project: adidas, Amer Sports, Atomic, Gesundheitszentrum Bärenhof Bad Gastein, Datwyler, Infineon, Karl Mayer, Pacemaker, Pierer Innovation, QUS-Body connected, Saphenus, tech2people, Wintersteiger, and Zainer.

To the website

Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) West

The Digital Innovation Hubs are competence networks that support SMEs in their digitalization efforts. They offer a wide range of training opportunities. DIH West provides support and know-how transfer to SMEs in western Austria.

At DIH West, eight universities and research institutions, as well as Innovation Salzburg, Standortagentur Tirol, Wirtschafts-Standort Vorarlberg GmbH (WISTO), WK Tirol, WK Salzburg, and the Federation of Austrian Industries in Tirol, serve as digitalization partners. The focus of DIH West is on:

  • Data Engineering and Machine Learning: business-oriented use of data and artificial intelligence
  • Information Security: identifying and avoiding IT risks
  • Idea2Innovation: methods for developing a business idea into a successfully marketed IT service

All services offered by DIH West are free of charge for small and medium-sized enterprises.

To the website

IDA Lab – Intelligent Data Analytics Lab

The IDA Lab brings research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to Salzburg companies. It is a collaboration between the University of Salzburg (project lead), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft, and University of Applied Sciences Salzburg. The lab is supported by the State of Salzburg as part of the Science and Innovation Strategy 2030 (WISS 2030).

The IDA Lab serves as the regional point of contact for research questions from the business and scientific communities. Together with industrial partners, the IDA Lab team works on data-related challenges in practical applications. The lab consists of seven teams with various areas of focus, such as machine learning, mobility, and biostatistics.

To the website

SMART Factory Lab

The SMART Factory Lab is a transfer center for intelligent manufacturing, with a particular focus on the following areas as essential foundations of a cognitive factory:

  • Digital Twins
  • Collaborative Robotics
  • Modular Manufacturing
  • Communication and Real-Time
  • Edge Computing and Cloud Computing
  • Security and Privacy within Production

To the website

5G Measurement Lab

5G enables the use of wireless networks for safety-critical systems such as Industry 4.0, Smart Grids, or autonomous vehicles. For this purpose, the networks need to be reliable. In the 5G Measurement Lab (5G-MLab), Salzburg Research develops methods to measure the reliability of 5G through reference scenarios in the automotive and industrial sectors.

To the website

 

Non-university research centers:

  • Salzburg Research
  • Research Studios Austria Research Society
    • iSPACE for Planning (“Smart Settlement”)
    • iSPACE on Infrasafety (“Smart 4D ENVIRON”)
    • Data SCIENCE (Big Data Analytics & Data Management): Salzburg, Vienna – with a focus on data analysis, artificial intelligence, and information retrieval.

Life Sciences

Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS)

The Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Salzburg investigates the connections between neural processes and human behavior. The CCNS is characterized by interdisciplinary research, with psychology, linguistics, biology, physics, and computer science at the University of Salzburg collaborating with neurologists from Paracelsus Medical University and clinical partners such as the Christian Doppler Clinic on fundamental research.

To the website

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute (LBI) for Digital Health and Prevention

At the LBI, the goal is to explore how cardiovascular patients can be supported in maintaining a healthier lifestyle through digital technologies. The institute, opened in 2019, is located at the University Institute of Sports Medicine at the University Hospital Salzburg. Research partners include the University and State Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, the Austrian Institute of Technology, and Paris Lodron University Salzburg.

To the website

Cancer Cluster Salzburg

The Cancer Cluster Salzburg (CCS) brings together 16 expert groups in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research from the Salzburg Cancer Research Institute (SCRI), Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS), and Salzburg University Hospitals (SALK).

CCS focuses on the interactions between cancer cells, their microenvironment, and the immune system to explore new cancer-causing mechanisms and develop innovative therapies with improved therapeutic efficacy.

To the website

further research centers:

Tech4Green

Center for Alpine Construction

The Alpine Building Center focuses on solutions for smart, connected buildings and the simulation of buildings in the context of settlements. Research focuses on smart energy systems, solutions for intelligent new construction, renovation and infill development, as well as innovative simulations for sustainable settlement systems. The Alpine Building Center is a collaboration between University of Applied Sciences Salzburg – Smart Building and Studio iSPACE of Research Studios Austria Forschungsgesellschaft mbH.

Salzburg Center for Smart Materials

The research activities at the Knowledge Transfer Center Salzburg Center for Smart Materials aim to develop new adaptive and intelligent surfaces and interfaces based on bio-derived resources, with a strong focus on the key material of wood from Salzburg. The research focuses on both the production, characterization, and application potential of these materials, as well as the structuring and functionality of the surfaces and interfaces.

Partners include FH Salzburg with the Kuchl Campus, the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, and the Human-Computer Interaction Center at the University of Salzburg.

To the website

Weitere Zentren:

Smart Tourism

Tourism Research

Tourism research at FH Salzburg focuses on various areas, including eTourism research, sustainability in tourism, innovation research, market and trend research, experience design, and strategy and organizational development. In 2015, the “eTourism Lab” was also launched to explore the use of information and communication technologies across the entire value chain of the tourism and leisure industry.

The Private University Schloss Seeburg offers a B.Sc. program in Business Administration with a focus on Tourism & Hospitality Management. Additionally, the research area of Sport Management and Economics of Sports has been established, addressing the megatrend “Sportivity” and expected to have a sustainable impact on tourism in Salzburg.

The Tourism Schools Klessheim are also increasingly involved in research activities as an internationally visible institution. The well-networked ecosystem of the University of Salzburg, FH Salzburg, and the Tourism School provides optimal conditions for fostering innovations in tourism.

EDIH Crowd in Motion

Ein Konsortium aus gemeinnützigen Forschungs- und Technologieorganisationen, Innovationsbeschleunigern, Crowd-Plattform-Anbietern und Digital Fabrication Labs (Fablabs) der österreichischen digitalen Innovationslandschaft. Eine Bündelung von Expertise, um die digitale Transformation von Organisationen mit Fokus auf die Tourismus-, Sport- und Freizeitindustrie sowie den öffentlichen Sektor zu unterstützen und voranzutreiben.

To the websited

Creative industries, art, and culture

  • Salzburg University of Applied Sciences: The Digital Realities Lab of the MultiMediaTechnology, Human-Computer Interaction, and MultiMediaArt programs integrates research into university education, allowing students to work on research and industry projects alongside faculty members. These projects cover a range of areas, from exploring novel storytelling methods and game mechanics to the use of innovative interactive solutions in education, medicine, and industry, as well as fundamental research in visualization and interaction
  • Mozarteum University: The CreART-Lab – Transdisciplinary Lab for Transformation – is a mobile, flexible, and expandable lab that includes various experiments related to building & living and mobility. Sustainable resource use and the interplay of artistic-creative and scientific approaches form the foundation for all experiments. This project is a collaboration between Mozarteum University Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, and Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, and is part of the Interuniversity Institution for Science and Art.

University Institutions:

Contact

Madeleine Koch

Madeleine Koch, MSc

Head of Science and Innovation Ecosystem

+43 5 7599 722 51
madeleine.koch@innovation-salzburg.at

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