October 5, 2026 | 09:30–16:00 | TUtheSky, TU Wien

Security and defence research thrives when scientific excellence meets real-world application. The Security and Defence Research Day 2026 brings together researchers, industry partners, policy makers, and practitioners to explore what makes collaboration between science and practice truly work and how to make it happen more often.

Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Field

This year's event puts the spotlight on successful collaborations between academia and practitioners. How do research insights translate into tangible solutions for security and defence challenges? What does it take to build partnerships that deliver results on both sides?
Through best-practice project showcases, participants will gain first-hand insights into collaborative projects that have made the leap from concept to real-world impact. Researchers and their partners from industry, government, and security organisations will present their joint work and share lessons learned.

From Finding Partners to Overcoming Obstacles

A central discussion will address the practical side of collaboration:
How do you find the right partners across the science-practice divide?
What frameworks and formats foster productive cooperation?
What obstacles commonly arise and how can they be overcome?
What does it take to sustain long-term partnerships?

Whether you are a researcher looking to bring your work closer to application, or a practitioner seeking scientific expertise for real-world challenges, this event offers the space to connect, learn, and exchange ideas.

Join Us

The Security and Defence Research Day is an annual event hosted by TU Wien, fostering dialogue and networking at the intersection of security and defence research and practice.
 

Program


Morning Session: Opening & Academic Insights

09:30 | Doors Open & Registration
Welcome Coffee & Networking

10:00 | Official Welcome & Opening Remarks
Opening address

10:15 | Keynote I: Strategic Perspectives on Security Research
Opening keynote addressing current challenges and strategic directions.

10:30 | Keynote II: Collaborative Disaster & Security Networks
An institutional perspective on cross-sector resilience and academic-operational cooperation.

10:45 | Project Presentations I: Current Research Highlights (Part 1)
Short, high-impact presentations of selected research initiatives bridging theory and practice.

11:20 | Panel Discussion: The Next Generation of Security Experts
Young Scientists Panel: Highlighting academic talent, innovative methodologies, and future research trajectories.

Midday Break

12:15 | Lunch Break & Networking
An opportunity to discuss morning insights and connect with peers over lunch.

Afternoon Session: Applied Research & Stakeholder Perspectives

13:15 | Project Presentations II: Current Research Highlights (Part 2)
Insights into three ongoing technical or organizational security projects.

13:45 | Panel Discussion: Connecting Research with Operational Needs
Stakeholder & End-User Panel: Dialogue with public authorities, emergency services, and critical infrastructure operators on practical requirements.

14:30 | Spotlight Session: Capacity Building & Resilience
Strategies for institutional growth, education, and strengthening national and regional security architectures.

14:50 | Project Presentations III: Current Research Highlights (Part 3)
Final round of three brief project showcases demonstrating cutting-edge technological advancements.

15:25 | Funding Opportunities & Strategic Outlook
Overview of national and European funding programs for security and defence research.

15:45 | Interactive Networking & Exchange
Bilaterals, poster discussions, and open exchange between science and practice.

16:00 | End of Event

Registration

Please register to this event via the registration page

Should you experience problems with the online registration, please contact the organizers via email.

This event is organized by Eva Knoch and Thomas Rief.