Centers of Excellence and Focal Areas

In addition to their work at the Research Centers, our scientists also conduct cross-location research on the most important topics of the 21st century at a total of 10 Centers of Excellence and Focal areas. The close, interdisciplinary cooperation between the faculties enables a holistic understanding of current issues. In this way, it is possible to work responsibly and sustainably on solutions and innovations for tomorrow.

Center of Excellence Automotive | Mobility

In the field of Automotive & Mobility, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria pursues an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to mobility, with the aim of achieving more efficient, safer, more user-friendly and more socially and environmentally compatible mobility for people and goods. Intensive research is carried out in the fields of automotive engineering, new drive technologies, networked and cooperative mobility as well as lightweight construction and composite materials.

Center of Excellence Energy

The Center of Excellence Energy focuses on industrial production processes, systems engineering, control, simulation and optimization of (renewable) energy technologies. Research is carried out on topics such as decentralized systems, load management and the integration of thermal and electrical energy storage (e.g. batteries). Work is also being done on replacing fossil fuels with renewable, sustainable energy generation and making applications more energy-efficient.

Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition

The Food Technology | Nutrition platform deals with topics such as ingredients and the modification of food and animal feed. In addition, various plant-based active ingredients are researched at cellular and molecular level. Another topic is quality assurance in the area of food quality (food control) using various measurement methods.

Center of Excellence Logistics

LOGISTICS = FUTURE SECURITY. Working on future topics and identifying current trends using logistics expertise and technology creates security. The expertise of the research groups at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, the direct participation in Logistikum Schweiz, the Logistics Network Association and the trusting cooperation with its (inter)national, excellent research partners make the CoE Logistics a one-stop address for regional and international challenges. The portfolio includes applied research as well as lighthouse projects in flexible forms of processing.

Center of Excellence Medical Engineering/ TIMed CENTER

The researchers at the TIMed CENTER focus on biomedical data analysis, biomimetics & material development, biomedical sensor technology, high-resolution imaging, medical simulators and drug characterization. In order to develop interdisciplinary, technical solutions for medical issues together with cooperation partners, the TIMed CENTER combines the strengths of our 4 faculties in Hagenberg, Linz, Steyr and Wels at the interface between technology and medicine. Core facilities provide jointly usable resources.

Center of Excellence Smart Production

Intelligent production processes lead to intelligent products. These products are the guarantee for companies, but also the basic prerequisite for being able to survive in future competition. As an innovative partner to industry, the Center of Excellence for Smart Production specializes in research and transfer on the subject of intelligent production. The coordination and networking of all relevant departments enables a lively exchange of information between the faculties (Hagenberg, Steyr and Wels) in both research and teaching. The company partners benefit from this!

Focal Area Digital Transformation

The Focal Area focuses on six innovative topics: data-supported management of companies, digital process design in companies, digital products and services, digital business models, digital value creation networks and people in the digital working world. At Campus Steyr, the Digitalization Center (DigiSpace) supports teaching as well as research and development with its infrastructure. The center is also a point of contact for companies in all matters relating to digitalization.

Focal Area Societal and Social Innovation

We drive forward social innovations - both through traditional research projects and through transfer and mentoring activities. The particular focus here is on the development and evaluation of holistic and sustainable solutions for social and digital services against the backdrop of demographic and ecological changes.

Focal Area Information & Communikations Technology

Information and communications technology (ICT) is the driving force behind digitalization in many respects and in some areas acts as a cross-cutting theme for all Centers of Excellence and beyond. Within the ICT focal area, there is a particular focus on prescriptive analytics, IT security and human computer interaction. Building on the critical mass already achieved, these areas can provide particular support for the requirements of the local economy and industry.

Focal Area Materials

Materials with defined properties are the basis for both highly specialized applications and everyday products. At the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, research is carried out along the entire process chain, from material selection and modification to the finished component. Plastics, composites, metals and surface coatings as well as the non-destructive testing methods 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) and active thermography are the focus of the research work.