Visit to Sweden strengthens international networking at UAS Technikum Wien

On November 11, representatives from the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and Mid Sweden University met in Östersund to discuss the further development of their cooperation. At the beginning, Miun provided an overview of its research priorities, study programs, and current developments. The discussions ranged from research funding and curricular exchange to trends in education and new project ideas.

The cooperation between the two universities has so far resulted in numerous student projects and provided significant impetus for internationalization. This was also evident in the presentations and discussion rounds during the day.

Common challenges and opportunities

“I see many similarities between our universities – both in terms of research funding and in terms of how we can attract more students to technical degree programs,” explained Lars-Erik Rännar, Deputy Dean of the Department of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science Education at Mid Sweden University.

Florian Eckkrammer, Managing Director of UAS Technikum Wien, also addressed the development of student numbers in engineering studies. At the same time, he emphasized the continuing high demand for technically qualified specialists: “Society needs people who can solve problems, and industry needs new engineers.”

Review of joint student projects

During the meeting, Andrey Koptyug, researcher at the Sports Tech Research Centre and co-organizer of the visit, presented selected master’s projects by Austrian students from the past ten years. Many of these projects are closely linked to ongoing research programs at Miun and demonstrate the mutual benefits of cooperation.

He emphasized: “Our collaboration began as an initiative of researchers and grew into a comprehensive cooperation between our universities in research and teaching—formalized by the double degree agreement of 2019. The exchange students contribute significantly to research at our center and have helped us develop new approaches for master’s by research programs and exchange opportunities.”

Focus on research facilities

Later in the day, participants visited the laboratories of the Sports Tech Research Center and the Swedish Winter Sports Research Center. Demonstrations in the wind tunnel and insights into additive manufacturing, materials testing, and sports science research highlighted the diversity of common ground between the two institutions.

Colleagues from the Department of Natural Science, Design and Sustainable Development at Miun also presented their technical degree programs and discussed possible links to future joint initiatives.

From the mountains to the coast – visit to the Sundsvall campus

On Wednesday, November 12, the delegation traveled on to Sundsvall. There, discussions were held with the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and the STC Research Center. The focus was on ongoing projects, technological innovations, and opportunities for cooperation in research and student exchange.

At the same time, sessions on international mobility and digital tools offered insights into how exchange programs can be further simplified and strengthened. In the afternoon, there was an online information event for students interested in an exchange semester. The evening was free for participants to explore Sundsvall’s city center.

Sylvia Geyer, Rector of the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, emphasized the importance of targeted internationalization: “All of our students complete at least one module with an international focus – the student projects at the Sports Tech Research Centre are an excellent example of this.”

Continuation of the dialogue

The final day of the visit, November 13, was devoted to in-depth discussions on cooperation in teaching, particularly in the field of industrial engineering and management. Before returning home, both sides reflected on the intensive discussions and the strengthened basis for further joint activities.

The delegation from UAS Technikum Wien consisted of: Sylvia Geyer (Rector), Florian Eckkrammer (Managing Director), Florian Ellinger (Mobility-Online Implementation and Development), Natalie König (Head of Human Resources), Agnes Kriz (Head of International Office), Stefan Litzenberger (Head of Study Programmes Bachelor Sports Engineering & Ergonomics and Master Sports Technology) and Thomas Mandl (International Coordinator Faculty of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics).

The visit impressively demonstrated the importance of international university cooperation for research, innovation, and high-quality technical education. Both institutions left Sweden with the clear goal of further expanding their partnership in the coming years.

Shown on the cover image: Product from a 3D printer.

Further Information:

A decade of success: Renewal of the double degree program with Mid Sweden University (May 17, 2024)

Experience report on internship in Östersund (summer semester 2023/2024)

Experience report on stay abroad in Sundsvall (summer semester 2023/2024)

Mid Sweden University

Seen in the group photo: Front: Cathrine Gladh, Sylvia Geyer, Stefan Litzenberger. Back row: Agnes Kriz, Kent Bertilsson, Leif Olsson, Patrik Österberg, Florian Eckkrammer, Thomas Mandl, and the two UASTW outgoing students who are currently studying in Sweden and completing the Master’s program in Sports Technology at UAS Technikum Wien: Christopher Koller and Helena Marchl.

Picture Gallery: