SFU Research Newsletter 03/26

Dear Colleagues,

welcome to our first Research Newsletter of 2026.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the wide range of research activities taking place at SFU. It is inspiring to see how research at our university is not only thriving across different formats, but also increasingly reaching and engaging society.

In particular, events such as the Long Night of Research #2026 and the 1st Science Conference at SFU MED, organised in cooperation with WIGEV, highlight how successfully SFU research is communicated beyond academia. These initiatives demonstrate the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible and relevant. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in coordinating and contributing to these events – your efforts make SFU visible and impactful in society.

The past months have also been dynamic on an institutional level. We had the pleasure of hosting the CoARA follow-up meeting at SFU, bringing together representatives from numerous universities and higher education institutions.

It is encouraging to see SFU among the early movers shaping and advancing new approaches to research assessment.

To further support our researchers, we have recently expanded our library resources. With the introduction of the EBSCO Discovery Service as our central search engine, access to scientific literature has been significantly improved.

In this issue, alongside updates on events, news from the Research Support Centre, and current funding opportunities, I am proud to present selected research highlights from all four faculties. These contributions once again demonstrate the vibrant and research-intensive environment at SFU. We also showcase a selection of media mentions that underline the relevance and visibility of our work.

Finally, I would like to thank all SFU researchers for their dedication and for conducting research that tackles important societal questions and challenges. Your work continues to strengthen SFU as a dynamic, forward-looking, and impactful research institution.

Warm regards,

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr Marion Garaus, PhD
Vice Rector for Research
Web: https://forschung.sfu.ac.at/en/