Excellence in research supports nationwide efforts in Austria to secure an independent doctoral degree-awarding right for universities of applied sciences

Universities of Applied Sciences (FH) and Universities of Applied Sciences/HAW across the German-speaking region are jointly advocating for one major goal: obtaining the right to award doctoral degrees—currently reserved for traditional universities—for themselves as well. FH Upper Austria is exceptionally well prepared for this step. Among the indicators of this readiness are the 17 doctoral studies successfully completed by its staff members in 2025 alone. Since FHs do not yet have their own doctoral degree-awarding rights, these doctorates are currently based on FH-driven research in combination with partnerships with national and international universities.

For Raimund Edlinger, the cooperation partner was Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg. At FH Upper Austria’s Wels Campus, Edlinger conducts research on intelligent robotic systems for disaster response: “My motivation for pursuing a PhD in rescue robotics was driven by the desire to make a scientific contribution to the firefighting systems of the future.” At FH Upper Austria, the robotics specialist was able to work independently on his dissertation within the scope of his research activities. He also received strong support in producing the required scientific publications, building international networks, and participating in ongoing professional exchange. Edlinger describes the collaboration with the university in Würzburg as “on equal footing.” He benefited especially from the expertise of Professor Andreas Nüchter in 3D mapping and robotics.

A completely different subject area was explored by Taha Falatouri, a research associate at the Logistikum at the Steyr Campus. Based on big‑data analyses, he conducted a scientific investigation into customer experiences in retail and submitted his dissertation to Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic. Falatouri also received close and continuous supervision of his doctoral work through FH Upper Austria. “The dissertation topic aligned with one of our FH projects, which allowed us to publish in this area—and that publication has since been cited more than 150 times,” the retail expert notes proudly. He describes the collaboration with the university in the Czech Republic as “smooth, well coordinated, and well structured.”

Research Strength and Talent Development Go Hand in Hand
University President FH‑Prof. Michael Rabl sees the strong focus of “his” FH Upper Austria on Applied Research & Development as the ideal foundation for awarding independent doctorates in selected key areas. “Our 17 doctoral candidates come from all faculties. Their work is based on the high-quality applied research we conduct together with companies and institutions,” Rabl emphasizes, highlighting the scientific excellence of the university. Vice President for Research & Development, FH‑Prof. PD Johann Kastner, points to well over 500 ongoing research projects each year: “This large number of projects not only provides our research staff with well-paid positions, but also gives them the opportunity to advance their doctoral dissertations within the scope of a project. Often, the companies involved benefit from this as well.”

Nationwide Efforts Toward Doctoral Degree‑Awarding Rights
Rabl and Kastner fully support the efforts of the nationwide University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK), which aims to secure independent doctoral degree‑awarding rights for universities of applied sciences (FH/HAW). “This would allow even more talented researchers to be supported in their development and retained within our regions and institutions,” both note, adding that independent doctorates at FH/HAW would open scientific career pathways in Austria for a much larger number of researchers — helping prevent brain drain.

“We must not underestimate the competition from FH/HAW institutions in southern Germany, where doctoral degree‑awarding rights already exist,” President Rabl adds. “Our graduates and future researchers may view those institutions as easily accessible alternatives — to the detriment of Austria’s research landscape.”

(AI assisted translation)