On November 25, 93 participants gathered at TUtheSky for our Security & Defence Research Day, bringing together researchers, funding agencies, ministry representatives, and industry partners to explore how science and innovation strengthen societal resilience.

The event drew researchers from across TU Wien alongside external partners, reflecting the collaborative nature of security and defence research.

Throughout the day, we heard insightful presentations on the Austrian and European funding landscape (KIRAS, FORTE, Horizon Europe, EDF) and from project presentations. A panel discussion brought valuable experiences and learnings from researchers working in these fields. Conversations revealed connections across disciplines, from cybersecurity and critical infrastructure to disaster management and dual-use technologies.

A particular highlight was the exhibition of project results and a mobile research lab from the DCNA. Despite the cold and rainy weather, these exhibits provided compelling demonstrations of research in action and drew considerable attention outside the venue.

Thank you to our keynote speakers Dr. Ralph Hammer (BMF), DI Sabine Kremnitzer (FFG), and Brigadier Mag. Rudolf Zauner (BMLV), to Vice Rector Prof. Peter Ertl for his opening remarks, to all panelists and presenters, and to our exhibitors for their dedication despite the weather. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring day of exchange and collaboration.

This was the program

• 08:45 Doors open – Networking Coffee
• 09:15 Opening Remarks by Prof. Peter Ertl
  Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs
• 09:30 Keynotes by
  Dr. Ralph Hammer (BMF) and DI Sabine Kremnitzer (FFG) 
  Brigadier Mag. Rudolf Zauner (BMLV)
• 09:55 Disaster Competence Network Austria (DCNA)
  - Introduction by Dr. Christian Resch (Managing Director)
  - Insights by Dr. Peter Kán & Dr. Diana Marin on the Project “Post-Disaster”
• 10:25 Presentation Cybersecurity Center - Prof. Matteo Maffei & Prof. Tanja Zseby
• 10:35 Coffee Break
• 10:50 Overview Funding Programs. 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 Open 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.