The research culture at the University of Passau is shaped both by high-profile interdisciplinary and international research collaborations and by the outstanding individual research of its members.
The established and emerging research areas combine academic excellence with social relevance. The established research areas are characterised by large-scale interdisciplinary, externally funded collaborative projects coordinated by members of our University. Emerging research areas are collaborations between several researchers beyond disciplinary boundaries to explore innovative areas of research and develop them into future established research areas.
The established and emerging research areas address current societal challenges and pioneering questions arising from the academic community. They have been identified by means of a multi-stage participatory process involving the faculties, the Research Advisory Board and the university committees. Regular evaluations ensure that they are dynamically adapted to new academic and societal developments.
Research at the University of Passau is supported by various divisions and units. The Research Services Division assists members of the University in applying for funding and offers funding and application advice, handouts and events. Communication is an important part of large-scale projects in both established and emerging areas. The Research Communication Unit provides advice on communicating these projects, from initial concept development through to editorial production in a range of journalistic formats, with the Digital Research Magazine serving as a central platform for this work.
Media relations
The Media Relations Section in the Communications and Marketing Division provides support with press releases and other media relations activities.
The Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (PICAIS) strengthens international networking, the initiation of large-scale interdisciplinary projects, and the visibility of research. The focus is on research stays for internationally renowned researchers and early-career academics. Funding is provided for fellowships and academic events.
Sustained excellence in research and teaching can only be achieved through excellent support for early-career researchers.
In order to guarantee the interdisciplinary qualifications of early-career researchers, the Graduate Centre offers a wide range of services for all phases of academic career development and thus supports individually supervised doctoral and postdoctoral projects and doctoral programmes. It is an information centre for all organisational and interdisciplinary questions relating to doctoral and postdoctoral studies.
The promotion of female early career researchers and the increase in the number of women in chairs and professorships continue to play an important role in its work.
Good research practice is essential for academic work. The University of Passau regulates the principles in a statute and offers regular events. The handling of data, in particular research data management and compliance with data protection, are of particular importance.
The University Library supports all members of the University in publishing their research results in Open Access by providing information and support services.
The Research Ethics Committee supports researchers at the University in ensuring that ethical aspects are taken into account in their research in the best possible way. Moreover, the Committee also advises on security-related aspects of research. The Export Control Office provides advice on questions relating to the transfer of sensitive goods and knowledge.
