Knowledge Spheres – the new research landscape at TU Wien

The Knowledge Spheres bring together the university’s expertise in areas that are particularly relevant to tackling key societal challenges – from resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy systems to quantum technologies and digital transformation. This dynamic, interconnected visualization of research, innovation, and teaching activities—aligned with the European Key Enabling Technologies (KETs)—shows how interdisciplinary teams along the innovation chain, from Advanced Manufacturing through Micro‑ and Nanoelectronics to Photonics and Industrial Biotechnology, solve complex challenges and thereby make TU Wien’s contribution to society, the economy, and the environment tangible.

A new structure has been developed through close collaboration between researchers and the administration (the Data Science and Knowledge Graph Lab research teams, the units Research Coordination and Research Information Systems, and Campus IT), based on a data-driven, AI-supported analysis of research projects, publications, qualifications and teaching activities. The process was supported by feedback loops with researchers and the Rector’s Office.

The newly defined Knowledge Spheres mark an important milestone. The new framework consists of six overarching, mission-oriented themes, including 31 Fields of Competence as interdisciplinary clusters of expertise and 115 Nodes of Expertise as thematically focused research areas. Six cross-cutting themes – AI, Materials, Modelling, Sensing, Sustainability and Formal Methods – run through all the Spheres as cross-cutting strands.

The Knowledge Sphere “Bioengineering and Medical Technologies for One Health” brings together research and education at the intersection of natural sciences, engineering and medicine. Its focus includes biological processes, new materials, sensors, imaging and medical assistive systems – from the molecular level to practical applications. 
Researchers work on tissue engineering, biosensing, medical imaging, rehabilitation and AI-driven drug development, among other areas. Study programmes such as Biomedical Engineering and Technical Physics provide the scientific and technological foundations for these fields. In collaboration with clinical, industrial and public-sector partners, cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise are bing used to develop new methods and applications are developed for personalised medicine, healthcare and public health, contributing to a holistic understanding of health across humans, animals and the environment.

The Knowledge Sphere “Data and Intelligent Systems for Digital Transformation” encompasses research and education in artificial intelligence, data and algorithms.
Its goal is to develop and understand digital technologies that can be used in powerful, secure and trustworthy ways. Topics range from theoretical computer science, logic and mathematics to artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and natural language technologies, as well as autonomous systems, digital twins, robotics, and distributed computing. Dedicated study programmes such as Data Science or Computational Science and Engineering provide the scientific and technical foundations for these fields. At the same time, new and innovative applications are developed for industry, infrastructure and society, including intelligent assistance systems, data-driven decision-making and new forms of collaboration between humans and AI.

The Knowledge Sphere “Future Energy and Advanced Manufacturing for Industrial Leadership” encompasses activities related to sustainable energy supply, resource-efficient manufacturing and future-proof mobility. 
Key areas include energy and environmental technologies, sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing and industrial AI. Foundational knowledge in thermodynamics, electrochemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, mechatronics, and power electronics forms the basis for new technologies. Degree programmes such as Physical Energy and Measurement Technologies, Green Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Manufacturing and Robotics provide the skills required in these fields. At the same time, solutions are being developed for mobility, aeronautics and space technologies, circular technologies, hydrogen, electronic components and systems, additive manufacturing, AI-supported production processes, and robotics. In close collaboration with industry and society, research findings are translated into scalable technologies for the energy and resource transition and modern mobility systems.

The Knowledge Sphere “Quantum and Nano Systems for Deep Tech Leadership” brings together research and education in quantum physics, nanotechnology and quantum information. 
It provides the foundations for new technologies in computing, communications, sensing and materials development. Key areas include quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing, as well as the development and modelling of new materials and semiconductors. Mathematics, physics and artificial intelligence play an important role alongside advanced measurement and manufacturing technologies. The Quantum Information Science and Technology master’s programme provides key competences for the emerging quantum era and complements interdisciplinary education in related fields. Research in this area is generating new approaches to secure communications, precision metrology, medical imaging and semiconductor technologies.

The Knowledge Sphere “Safety and Security for Resilient Societies” encompasses research, education and innovation dedicated to a safe and resilient society. 
Its focus includes protecting digital and physical infrastructures, addressing cyber threats, and adapting to climate change. Artificial intelligence, cryptography, geospatial data, remote sensing, space applications, and climate and environmental monitoring, provide essential foundations for this work. Researchers develop methods to detect cyberattacks, secure critical systems, and better monitor and predict floods, droughts and changes in land use. Course programmes in the frame of the Interuniversity Cooperation Centre “Water & Health and the Informatics Doctoral School, as well as degree programmes such as Digital Engineering and the Erasmus Mundus Master of Cartography impart the relevant skills. In collaboration with public-sector and industrial partners, solutions are developed for defence, disaster management, secure communication, hazard zone planning and natural hazard management. 

The Knowledge Sphere “Urban Systems Planning for Sustainable Transformation” encompasses research, education and innovation for the sustainable development of cities and regions. 
It focuses on building architecture and spatial planning, civil engineering and urban technologies, energy and environmental technologies, mobility and infrastructure, as well as their interaction within urban systems. The multifaceted, interdisciplinary research ranges from energy-efficient buildings and sustainable building and construction materials to future-proof circular economy systems, renewable energy systems, smart grids, as well as urban development, housing and climate adaptation. Digital methods such as Building Information Modelling, computer vision and virtual technologies support design, planning, construction and operation. Study programmes and courses such as TU SustainAbility, Environmental Engineering, Digital Civil Engineering Science, Building Science and Environment, and Green Chemistry provide the necessary skills. In collaboration with industry and society, research is translated into solutions for sustainable mobility systems, a circular economy, and climate-neutral, resilient and liveable cities and regions.