"FFoQSI": A Collaborative Project of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, BOKU and Vetmeduni Vienna

FH-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Julian Weghuber is among Austria’s leading researchers in applied food science. The 46-year-old heads the Center of Excellence for Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s Wels Campus and leads the “Feed and Food Quality Improvements” research area at the Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation (FFoQSI).

As of August, Weghuber has assumed the role of Scientific Director at FFoQSI, the COMET K1 Competence Center established nearly ten years ago. His mission is clear: “To shape the food and feed systems of tomorrow through scientific excellence and strong partnerships.”

Future-Oriented Solutions for Food and Feed Systems
FFoQSI develops innovative solutions across the entire value chain, from farm to fork. Its key focus areas include improving food and feed quality and safety, advancing sustainable food systems, and driving the digital transformation of supply chains. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, FFoQSI is setting new benchmarks for a future-ready agricultural and food industry.

Science and Industry Working Together
In addition to its founding institutions, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, BOKU University, and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), FFoQSI brings together a broad network of scientific partners and companies of all sizes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for approximately 60 percent of the industry partners involved.

Excellent Research with Societal Impact
“Research creates the greatest value when it combines scientific excellence with societal relevance,” says Julian Weghuber, who also serves as Head of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria.

The current heat wave and its impact on agricultural production clearly demonstrate the societal relevance of FFoQSI’s research areas. As Scientific Director, Weghuber aims to further strengthen FFoQSI’s leading role in food and feed research.

“My vision,” says Weghuber, “is a research center that sets new standards through interdisciplinary collaboration, national and international networking, and innovation-driven research, while actively contributing to the development of sustainable food systems.”

Broad Support for a Proven Research Leader
“Julian Weghuber prevailed against a highly competitive field of applicants,” comments FFoQSI Managing Director Dr. Jürgen Marchart. At the beginning of the month, Weghuber succeeded Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Wagner of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, who previously served as Scientific Director of FFoQSI.

Award-Winning Researcher
At his home institution, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Weghuber successfully led the Josef Ressel Center for Phytogenic Drug Research. In recognition of this achievement, he received the 2025 Prize for Research and Innovation from the Christian Doppler Research Association (CDG). With prize money of €40,000, it is one of Austria’s most highly endowed awards for researchers.

Outside academia, the energetic scientist enjoys music, fishing, and tennis.

Supported by Federal and Regional Governments
As a COMET K1 Competence Center, FFoQSI receives funding from the Austrian Federal Ministries for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMK) and for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMAW), as well as from the federal states of Lower Austria, Vienna, and Upper Austria.

Great Enthusiasm at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
“Julian Weghuber has long been one of the leading researchers at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and enjoys an excellent reputation throughout Austria’s universities of applied sciences sector. His appointment as Scientific Director of FFoQSI is a strong testament to his outstanding scientific expertise,” emphasizes University President FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Rabl MBA.

“With Julian Weghuber, FFoQSI gains a recognized expert and highly experienced researcher as its Scientific Director. His new role further strengthens knowledge and technology transfer and represents a major asset for research at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria,” adds FH-Prof. PD DI Dr. Johann Kastner, Vice President for Research.