Research
science-days
Security and Defence Research Day 2025

Security and Defence Research Day 2025

On 25 November, 93 participants gathered at TUtheSky for our ‘Security & Defence Research Day’, which brought together researchers, funding organisations, representatives from government departments and industry partners to discuss how science and innovation can strengthen societal resilience.

The event attracted researchers from across TU Wien as well as external partners, thereby reflecting the collaborative nature of security and defence research.

Throughout the day, we listened to informative presentations on the Austrian and European funding landscape (KIRAS, FORTE, Horizon Europe, EDF) as well as project presentations. A panel discussion provided valuable insights and perspectives from researchers working in these fields. The discussions highlighted interdisciplinary links, ranging from cyber security and critical infrastructure to disaster management and dual-use technologies.

A particular highlight was the exhibition showcasing the project results and a mobile research laboratory run by the DCNA. Despite the cold and rainy weather, these exhibits offered impressive insights into research in practice and attracted a great deal of attention even outside the venue.

We would like to thank our keynote speakers, Dr Ralph Hammer (BMF), DI Sabine Kremnitzer (FFG) and Brigadier Mag. Rudolf Zauner (BMLV); Vice-Rector Prof. Peter Ertl for his opening address; all panellists and speakers; and our exhibitors for their commitment despite the bad weather.

Many thanks to everyone who took part in this inspiring day of exchange and collaboration.

This was the Programme

08:45 Opening – Networking Coffee
09:15 Opening adress by Prof. Peter Ertl
Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs
09:30 Keynotes by
Dr. Ralph Hammer (BMF) und DI Sabine Kremnitzer (FFG)
Brigadier Mag. Rudolf Zauner (BMLV)
09:55 Disaster Competence Network Austria (DCNA)
- Introduced by Dr. Christian Resch (Managing Director)
- Insights by Dr. Peter Kán & Dr. Diana Marin on the Project “Post-Disaster”
10:25 Cybersecurity Center - Prof. Matteo Maffei & Prof. Tanja Zseby
10:35 Coffee Break
10:50 Overview of Funding Options. Roadmap from KIRAS and FORTE to Horizon Europe and EDF
FFG National contact points DI Jeannette Klonk (Cluster 3), DI Thomas Leithner (EDF)
11:20 Panel Discussion: Experiences with KIRAS and FORTE
Panellists: Prof. Friedrich Bleicher, Prof. Robert Sablatnig, Dr. Andreas Sinn
Moderator: Dr. Ralph Hammer (BMF)
12:10 Responsible Research Practices & Ethics - Dr. Marjo Rauhala
12:30 Networking Lunch and Outdoor Exhibition
14:00 Closing

This Event was organized by Eva Knoch, opens an external URL in a new window and Thomas Rief, opens an external URL in a new window.

Photo Gallery

Event photo — © Thomas Rief | TU Wien

SDRD25_21

Security and Defence Research Day 2025

INFO

Date

November 25, 2025
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Venue

TUtheSky, opens an external URL in a new window
TU Wien
Getreidemarkt 9
1060 Vienna

Program

Download detailed agenda [PDF], opens an external URL in a new window

Registration

Registration is necessary via TISS (TU Wien Intranet), opens an external URL in a new window
External participants may contact the organisers.

Questions & Contact

Eva Knoch, opens an external URL in a new window
Thomas Rief, opens an external URL in a new window