"Connecting Research" was the overall topic of the 16th research forum of the Austrian universities of applied sciences ("FH Forschungsforum der Österreichischen Fachhochschulen") hosted at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Lower Austria. With the university also being the lead of the E³UDRES² Alliance, various tracks focused on "Connecting European Regions", bringing together representatives from various European University Alliances that feature Austrian member institutions. In addition to the St. Pölten UAS team representing E³UDRES², the sessions welcomed members of MCI Innsbruck (Ulysseus), Vorarlberg UAS (RUN-EU), Joanneum UAS (EU4DUAL), and Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (associated partner of ATHENA). The enthusiastic group of participants took the chance to discuss various experiences, opportunities and challenges European Universities are facing, including quality management, joint programs, and more.
Lessons learned
After briefly introducing their alliances, all participants shared information on how they experience the coordination of their alliance, their processes, and possible further projects the alliances have led to. "Opportunities for exchange across European University Alliances are an excellent way of creating meaningful connections, broadening one's horizon, and also tackling common challenges together", states Gabriele Permoser from the coordinating team of the E³UDRES² Alliance. Later in the evening, a panel discussion with high-ranking representatives of the Alliances present took place, giving the panelists and listeners the possibility to find out more about the alliances' success stories, challenges and lessons learned so far.
United across Europe
The two-day event also featured a talk by John Edwards, secretary general of E³UDRES² associated partner EURASHE, focusing on the role of universities of applied sciences in Smart Specialisation. Closing the event on 20 April, a panel discussion included Karim Khakzar, rector of E³UDRES²-member Fulda University of Applied Sciences, talking about research at UASes. Overall, the FH Forschungsforum was an engaging event that successfully brought together top representatives from universities eof applied sciences and beyond in Europe.
