Collaborations

Due to the close integration into the curriculum, the following framework conditions apply to study projects, especially when collaborating with external partners:

• The content and level of project work must align with the current educational level of students and the educational goals of the degree program in general.
• Projects are limited in duration. The scope and execution of the project must align with the prescribed semester schedule of the curriculum.
• The degree program does not guarantee the completion of a study project or the achievement of project goals. Therefore, projects should be non-critical for the project partner in terms of time and success.
• Projects involving services that are directly comparable to those provided by commercial providers are excluded.

Studying at a university of applied sciences is characterized by a strong emphasis on practical relevance. Practical relevance includes not only the imparting of knowledge and experiences in professional practice but also the presentation and experience of economic, legal, and social operational activities and their interactions. For this reason, the curricula of all FH degree programs in Linz include a mandatory internship.

During the internship, students work in a company within the field related to their degree program, participating in specific tasks and projects to gain practical experience and deepen the knowledge acquired during their studies. Integration into the company's work and project team, as well as the personal experiences gained, are crucial elements of the internship. Additionally, personal interests, inclinations, and a profound understanding of the professional field should be developed.

The internship is jointly supervised by an employee of the partner company and the FH degree program. It can be completed both domestically and abroad, with a minimum duration of 12 weeks (60 working days).

Participating companies (internship providers) are expected to effectively involve students in challenging tasks and projects relevant to the study program's educational field. The company or department should have the personnel capacity and willingness to provide competent guidance to students, instruct them in independent work, and evaluate their performance upon completion of the internship.

Medical Engineering

• Kepler University Hospital (KUK)
• Upper Austrian Health and Hospital Corporation (gespag)
• Charité Berlin
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
• Siemens AG
• The Johns Hopkins University
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute Australia
• Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH
• g.tec – Guger Technologies
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• GE Healthcare
• MED-EL

Social Work

• pro mente Upper Austria and Exit-sozial
• NEUSTART and social services of the correctional facilities
• Child and Youth Services (KJH) and private KJH facilities
• Social Initiative and other social pedagogical institutions
• B37 and other homelessness support facilities
• Debt counseling services
• Caritas

Social Management

• Caritas
• State of Upper Austria
• Austrian Red Cross Upper Austria
• Pro Mente
• ARCUS Social Network GmbH

Public Management

• Austrian Association of Cities
• Austrian Association of Municipalities
• State of Upper Austria
• City of Linz
• Municipal Science Documentation Center Vienna
• Association of Public Economy Vienna
• CEEP Brussels

Topic proposals for final theses can either emerge from project assignments in the previous semester or be explicitly suggested by companies. The following points are important in this regard:

• The topic should be practical and possess innovative characteristics.
• It should be aligned with the educational objectives of the degree program.
• There should be interest and expertise within the company regarding the topic.
• The completion of the thesis should be feasible within one semester.
• The thesis outcome should be non-critical for the success of the company.

Suggestions for final theses should ideally be directed to the respective degree program and should include at least the following information:

• Information about Your Company:
  • Name and Address
  • Contact Person
  • Size of the Company or Department
• Topic (Working Title)
• Brief Description (up to 1 page)
• Time Constraints

Topic proposals for final theses can be submitted at any time but should be submitted by early December at the latest to be considered for the following summer semester.

A subject-specific supervisor is generally assigned for each final thesis within the FH degree program. Additionally, a person familiar with the topic within the partner company should be available to collaborate with the FH supervisor in guiding the thesis.

Final theses often address innovative topics that bring new knowledge and technological advancement to partner companies. To protect the legitimate interests of companies in such cases, final theses can be placed under embargo after completion. In this case, third-party access may be restricted for up to 5 years.

At the Research Center of the FH Upper Austria, Faculty of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences in Linz, researchers specialize in the following three research focus areas:

1. Aging and Quality of Life (LIA)
2. Applied Social Sciences and Non-Profit Management
3. Medical Engineering

Within the framework of the R&D program, the following collaboration opportunities are available:

• Applied R&D projects with partner companies
• Scientific research projects
• International R&D projects
• Conferences, seminars, and workshops
• Corporate training courses

Dr. Carolin Kollewe Head of Research Center Linz
FH Upper Austria Research & Development GmbH Research Center Linz

Garnisonstraße 21
4020 Linz, Austria
Tel.: +43 50804 55000 Fax: +43 50804 955000
Email: carolin.kollewe@fh-linz.at