The Industrial Systems Division is set up as a resource and contact point for manufacturing businesses and research partners, active at a national or international level, to further develop and realise implementation of innovative and visionary ideas. The essential thrust of the solutions offered is an increase in efficiency of energy and resource utilisation and in the share of renewables in power supply and hybrid process systems. Digitisation is used, as a methodological aid and tool, to develop concepts for configuring and operating the internal power supply, based on technical, ecological and economic principles, and to link it with other sectors.

The focus of the division is on zero and energy-plus buildings both for new construction and refurbishment. The basic components of this are efficiency, improvement of building services technology and integration of regenerative energy sources. Following the basic laws of physics and thermodynamics, we develop technology, district energy and building concepts, based on the three pillars (ecology, economy and social issues) of the sustainable development model, that are scalable for buildings and the public domain. Our R&D activities cover a wide spectrum, from the development of individual elements to demonstration projects for local neighbourhoods. A key aspect of our activities is giving due consideration to the whole “building” system over the full life cycle.

The Thermal Energy Storage Group offers solutions that are capable of specifically meeting the challenges of the future energy system, in terms of flexibility, efficiency and costs. For balancing the volatility of renewables in district and local heating networks, large-scale heat and borehole storage (up to 120 °C) offers a particularly cost-effective solution, while for long-term storage, the very compact size and low losses of thermochemical storage (up to 300 °C) make it particularly suitable for building applications as well as for cross sector coupling. Beyond this, AEE INTEC is also active in chemical storage (up to 800 °C), which, due to even greater compactness and higher operating temperatures, is able to offer significant reductions in CO2 for energy-intensive industrial and district heating applications.

The Institute of Vehicle Technology at the Joanneum University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to innovative vehicle concepts and sustainable mobility. The activities are centred around the whole vehicle with a particular focus on virtual system development (modelling and simulation) and testing (mechatronic control systems as well as application, component and whole system tests).

Power electronics is a key technology in improving energy efficiency in the areas of power generation, industrial processes and mobility. With optimum use of latest semiconductor technology, based on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), a wide variety of electrical energy converters are being developed, with efficiencies typically close to 99%. Through close cooperation with regional partners, a complete value chain has evolved for the development of power electronic products. Example applications include: Highly compact SiC transistor-based inverters for grid connection and for high-speed drives for automotive applications, test devices for battery and fuel cells and DC-DC converters for fuel cell-powered vehicles.

Research in the field of Sustainable Foodstuffs and Process Development: Pursuing an integrated and sustainable approach to innovation for foodstuffs and food production. Integrated Insect Innovations spi³ is a large-scale project currently in progress, that is focused on sustainable production of protein for animal feed and foodstuffs. For sustainable systemic impact, the research group works in close cooperation with the Sustainable Food Systems research group, for example, in the H2020 project FAIRCHAIN.
Research in the field of Sustainable Food Systems: The aim of the research group is to identify and support paths leading to sustainable development within food systems. Research topics include:
Future Regional Food Supply, Urban-Rural Links for food production and consumption, Sustainable Innovation for food.
Highlighted aspects include: a range of product and process innovations successfully established in the market; a high level of visibility both internationally and nationally, and networking of research activities (publications, conferences, papers, media reports).

Simulations for Professional Training, Game Based Learning and Serious Game Design, Mixed and Cross Reality Design, User Experience Design, Service Design, Information Design | both national and EU-funded research as well as contract research for industry and the public sector.

Within remote sensing, solutions and products are offered for: environmental monitoring, safety-related monitoring tasks and for mobile multi-sensor data acquisition and analysis. The scope of data handled ranges from optical, thermal, video and laser scanner data to SAR data. Developing geo-management systems and mobile information systems for tourism and disaster management are other key tasks of the research group.

The Intelligent Acoustic Solutions research group conducts applied research in the field of audio and acoustics. The areas of application range from acoustic monitoring and sensor development to the design of voice-controlled, interactive man-machine systems. Our core competencies are: Digital signal processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, speech recognition and natural language processing, software architecture and development for acoustic real-time systems, hardware design and electronics development, and interaction design for multimodal interfaces.

The research group deals with the issue of Modern Information Management and the associated key technologies of cloud/edge computing, including data analytics with networked sensors. We provide tailor-made digital platforms for smart workflows. The complete horizontal value chain is considered, from data collection to utilisation.

We develop innovative structuring processes, which have the potential for large-scale production of flexible micro and nanostructured layers or fully integrated components in organic electronics and optoelectronics, and in packaging, lighting and medical technology, or as chemical, physical and biological sensors (systems in foil and printed electronics).

We develop chemical and biosensors, as compact analytical systems for the continuous detection of chemical (e.g., O2, CO2) or biological substances, for the chemical and food sectors, for energy and safety technology and environmental monitoring, and in the hygiene sector (sanitary facilities and food production) as well as in the human and veterinary medicine sectors.

The Sustainable Energy Systems and Lifestyles research group supports business, government and society on the path to climate neutrality. This is based on a sustainable energy system that is characterised by renewable energy, maximum energy efficiency, the provision of intelligent, demand-oriented energy products and services, and the involvement of end users and consumers (e.g., change in lifestyle). The aim is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the economic system to a minimum (low-carbon economy) by helping to develop sustainable products and services and supporting the societal shift towards low-carbon lifestyles.

Arising from the many years of experience of its team members, the Urban Living Lab competence group has a well-established methodological expertise in transport modelling and in systemic and functional planning and design of infrastructure facilities in urban and rural areas. To further extend this expertise, new methods for measuring and modelling as well as for evaluating and monitoring individual transport behaviour and freight flows are being developed and utilised.

The Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz is an internationally recognised institute with a focus on research and the training of highly qualified young scientists. It is concerned with both the physical and the socio-economic aspects of climate change and global change. The institute has continued to develop n a very positive way since its foundation in 2005, as a temporary centre that was subsequently given permanent institute status in 2013, and is now home to around fifty research personnel at all levels, from young researchers to professors.

The principle of the circular economy pursues the goal of ecological and social sustainability. The Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable Product Management in a Circular Economy collects data about the entire life cycle of products and services and defines the corresponding basic principles. The output of research work is expected to yield instruments, methodologies and concepts for collecting ecological and social data about products and services, along the supply chain, in the use and disposal phases and in recycling, for the purpose of ecological and social evaluation, for designing these products and services and for utilisation of the collected data for further use cases (e.g., reporting, compliance management).

Environmental Sociology focuses on environmental behaviour and attitudes by means of research surveys, and makes an excellent addition to the current fields of research within Climate Change Graz. Within the framework for Environmental Sociology, examination is being conducted into the influence of global and national forces on behaviour, impacting the environment and CO2 emissions, as well as, for example, the social effects of replacing coal in steel mills or polarized attitudes towards climate change in public and social media. Markus Hadler is also the Austrian representative of the International Social Survey Programme (www.issp.org), a group of researchers from 48 countries currently focusing on environmental attitudes and behaviour.

The focus of my interest in research is changes in regional climate and methodologies for estimating them. In particular, I deal with natural fluctuation and extreme levels of precipitation, and the associated changes due to man-made climate change. In parallel with this, I have been working on the evaluation of regional climate models over recent years. How weather in Europe might change in the future has been an increasing area of interest in my research for some time now: Will the nature of storms, precipitation or drought alter and what are the underlying processes?

Prof. Dr. Meyer actively works in the fields of philosophy, ethics, political philosophy, legal philosophy and social philosophy. His research focus is on justice in time and space. Ongoing research projects cover intergenerational justice, climate change ethics and historical justice.

The urban HEAP (Health and Everyday Activities take Place) research group focuses on interactions between everyday social life and the socio-spatial and ecological environment. It conducts critical interdisciplinary urban research and is currently working on the following research projects and topics (see link).

Replenishment of groundwater resources by seepage from infiltrating precipitation (or snowmelt), i.e., recharging the groundwater, is driven by processes at or near the land surface that are closely related to specific weather events and are influenced by direct or indirect impacts of climate change. A better understanding of future changes in the distribution/intensity of precipitation, as well as vegetation and land use (especially with regard to plant/plant water requirements) is therefore essential for improved forecasting of hydrological processes, such as groundwater recharge, flooding, etc. The availability of groundwater resources does not just depend on the replenishment rate, but also on the management of water resources and thus on socio-economic changes (e.g., increased water demand due to a change from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture). In addition, these changes represent important challenges for ecosystems dependent on groundwater, which can only be recorded in an interdisciplinary manner. Research into hydrology therefore makes an important contribution to a better understanding of the ecological, but also economic changes caused by climate change.

Michael Finus conducts research on externalities (spill overs), where coordination and collaboration would result in global welfare gains, but which typically suffer from freeriding (i.e., not everyone contributing their fair share). He evaluates which factors cause freeriding and how and through which measures it can be mitigated. Many of these issues relate to collective decision-making and public and global governance. International and global environmental issues such as climate change and overfishing are high-profile examples of this.

The Functional Diversity & Ecology working group examines the diversity and processes in communities and their interaction with the environment. A particular focus is on cryptogam colonies growing on soil, rock and epiphytic plants on bark and even on the leaves of trees. These micro-ecosystems are composed of photosynthetic active organisms (e.g., lichens, mosses, algae, cyanobacteria) and decomposers (e.g., fungi, bacteria, archaea), while consumers (protozoa, nematodes, tardigrade bears and microarthropods) also appear regularly in these colonies. Biological organisms occur in their habitat in colonies that pursue intensive and diverse exchange with each other and their environment. Our working group is concerned with the functional processes within the colonies, their exchange mechanisms with the environment and the effects of global change, based both on change in climate and in land use. We investigate the relevance of these colonies of organisms in global processes and cycles, which in turn are directly influenced by climate change.

Implementing Agreement: Advanced Fuel Cells, Annex 29: Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells; Li-ion battery.
Efficient use of raw materials in multi-component systems in the chemical industry.
New ways of utilising lignin and fibre fractions from pulp and wood pulp production.

Innovative membrane distillation for the recovery of recyclable materials and energy in municipal wastewater treatment; Integration of the wastewater infrastructure in regional energy supply concepts; Knowledge Triangle Platform for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus (TRINEX). Gas cleaning. New ways of utilising lignin and fibre fractions from pulp and wood pulp production.

Wastewater concepts, map of thermal energy in the Graz wastewater network, corporate benchmarking of drinking water supply in Austria.
Emission load estimates from the two mixed water overflow basins of ARA Klagenfurt; recording of emissions of selected trace substances from sewer systems, with options for action to reduce these traces and optimisation of an alternative detection method for plastic particles in water samples.

Integration of renewable energy into industrial production processes, use of CO2 as a raw material (CCU process), e-fuels, energy engineering processes for closed-loop material cycles, thermal cracking of polyolefins (chemical recycling of plastics), development of processes for sustainable treatment, processing and use of biogenic raw materials (microalgae, energy crops, biogas), biogenic residues (sewage sludge, fermentation residues, organic waste, liquid manure) and wastewater (municipal/industrial wastewater, cloudy water, seepage water).

In our research we deal with the analysis, modelling, simulation and optimisation of complex energy systems.
Systemic Energy Efficiency in Industry: Making complex industrial energy systems more efficient through energy recovery, preparing them for utilisation of renewables and opening up the potential for flexibility.
Integrated Energy Systems: Hybrid energy networks (connecting energy carriers). Solutions for system integration of renewables and options for flexibility. The integration of storage for varying energy carriers with demand-side management and new power consumers, such as electric vehicles or heat pumps, as well as on-demand industrial energy generation systems.

Research areas, covered by the field of non-ferrous metallurgy, are concerned with the materials engineering and recycling of light alloys, primary metallurgy and recycling of technology metals and ferrous alloys as well as the recycling of industrial by-products. Other areas of specialisation cover hydrogen, both the generation and use in metallurgy, and the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

Under the slogan: “From raw material to finished component", the primary aims of our research are the development of methodological skills, the mastering of industrial requirements and the contribution to solving social challenges. Main topics: elastomer and thermoset technology, additive manufacturing of polymers, polymers in (micro)electronics, hybrid structures, Big Data and cyber-physical systems in the processing environment, polymers used for energy generation and storage, functionalisation of polymers, bio-based polymers, polymers in medicine and the circular economy.

Research Topics:
- Parallel and distributed systems
- Cloud computing and simulation
- High-performance computing
- Performance analysis and prediction
- Resource management and scheduling
- Multi-objective optimisation
- Programming and runtime environments
- Compiler technology
- Energy efficiency

- Interference dynamics in wireless networks
- Cooperative relaying in wireless networks
- Self organising synchronisation
- Multi-drone systems: Communications and coordination
- Coordinated multi-robot exploration

Elmenreich and his team are working on the design, modelling and analysis of solutions for future energy applications. Major challenges, such as the transition of our energy system to a smart, low-carbon emission model, require an interdisciplinary research approach. The group, comprising engineers, computer scientists and physicists, conducts research into self-organising and complex systems and communication networks and the corresponding computational intelligence to achieve this.

Current research interests relate to the following topics:
- Governance of science, technology and innovation, including Responsible Research and Innovation
- Public communication and controversy related to science and technology
- Citizen Science and citizen participation in science and technology
- Energy system transformation
- Climate policy and climate engineering
- Convergent Technologies (Bio, Nano, Info, Neuro)
- Bioeconomy
- Sustainability

Research Topics: Relationships between society and nature with a focus on system theories, self-organisation and complexity
- Self-organising natural systems
- Global environmental change & climate change, including adaptation to climate change in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- Sustainability
- Natural hazards and risks
- Theoretical Geomorphology

eGrid Monitoring & Analytics, e-Alternatives in H2 PV Multi Power, Battery R&D & Analytics, ePowertrain & Hybrids in Structures & Technology, Modern Industrial Automation & Safety & CMS & R&D, Industrial Measurement Technologies & Methods & Multidisciplinary Measurement Assistance in ET MB Civil Engineering, Overall High Technology Correspondence & Coordination

The SIENA research group conducts research in the following fields:
- High-resolution environmental monitoring with UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and various sensors
- Automated risk assessment of UAS missions (Ground, Air & Weather Risk)
- Multiscale Remote Sensing & Change Detection
- Use of machine learning / AI to recognise individual objects and patterns
- Application areas: Animal behaviour and animal recognition; precision viticulture; Biodiversity & Grassland Pasture Management; Damage documentation of natural hazards; Air Traffic Management for Drones (UTM); Innovative methods for aquatic research (bathymetry in shallow water areas and non-invasive measurement of surface flow patterns in the field of ​​fish ladders)

An evolution of CAD is design automation: the combination of design, optimisation, simulation and artificial intelligence.
Development of solutions for questions related to industrial optimisation issues for improving the utilisation of resources and materials.
Development of solutions for fast and accurate optical quality control in industrial manufacturing using AI methods.
R&D in the field of machine learning for practical problems

The aim of research into MtM (More-than-Moore) technologies at SAL is to reduce complexity and to miniaturise and increase the efficiency of components. SAL is based in Villach and encompasses the entire research value chain for combination with advanced manufacturing technology.
Research Priorities:
- Photonic MEMS
- Piezo MEMS
- Magnetic sensor systems
- Sustainable sensors
- Applicative packaging

Photonic Systems focuses on advancing the multidisciplinary research and development of optical, optoelectronic and mechanical components using a coordinated and holistic approach.

Research expertise:

- Machine learning techniques, especially reinforcement learning
- Computer vision algorithms, object detection and tracking
- Time series data analysis, statistical evaluations, virtual sensing and anomaly detection
- Fog and edge computing, distributed systems, distributed microservice architectures

The overarching goal of this specific area of competence is to aid the transition of our energy and resource system to an efficient, sustainable and cross-sectoral system through advanced control and automation technology. With the help of intelligent controls, we want to achieve flexible and efficient operation and optimum interaction between the various systems, technologies and sectors. Through holistic consideration of all control levels (component, technology/plant, system level), and in particular the interfaces between the levels, flexible and efficient operation of the overall system should be enabled.
To achieve a broad area of impact of the methods developed, we use a two-pronged approach; on the one hand methodical use of mathematical models for the individual components and systems; on the other hand, deliberate consideration of the entire product development chain, from the first phenomenological investigations and the development of basic methods and concepts to demonstration systems and market launch by our corporate partners.

Our competencies: 1) Mathematical modelling, 2) Numerical simulation, 3) Methods for online estimation of non-measurable variables, 4) Model-based control of components, technologies/plants and systems, 5) Higher level strategies for operational optimisation, 6) Modular, cross-sector, optimisation-based energy and resource management
Fields of activity: 1) Thermochemical biomass conversion: combustion and gasification, fixed bed and fluidised bed reactors, 2) Biotechnological biomass conversion, 3) Syntheses, 4) Thermal engineering: solar thermal energy (and long-term storage), heat pumps, heating networks (general hydraulic heat distribution systems), district heating plants, SIL/HIL development environments for heat generators, 5) Large-scale production processes

Research on generation, purification, compression, storage, distribution and delivery technologies for optimum configuration of hydrogen infrastructure and subsequent systemic integration in industry and the energy sector

New bio-based materials for the building materials industry; development of bio-based/biodegradable soil sealing.
Development of repairable and recyclable composite materials; development of recyclable photopolymers; development of reversible and re-attachable adhesives.

The Combustion & Fuels area conducts applied R&D on methodology for both single-cylinder research engines and multi-cylinder engines and therefore plays a key role in shaping the large engine of the future.

Low-emission and efficient combustion processes. Very high-performance engine concepts.
System requirements and evaluation of new technology modules. Combustion process design for future fuels and waste recycling.

The Robust Engine Solution area is primarily concerned with the reliability and longevity of engine systems and, in addition to robust engine components, it also develops highly innovative monitoring tools.

Individual components and systems optimised for wear and deposits. Investigation and evaluation of highly stressed engine components. Development of sensors and CBM applications. Optimisation of lubrication for effective engine operation.

At LEC, the Simulation & Validation area is responsible for basic research and provides cross-domain tools for research work in the other areas.

Simulation of ignition, combustion and emission formation under stationary and transient conditions. Combination of physically-based and data-driven modelling approaches. Models and methods for the analysis and plausibility check of measurement data. Comprehensive modelling of energy and transport systems using multidisciplinary simulation methods.

The LEC HybTec COMET module combines complementary technologies into hybrid approaches in order to derive completely new concepts for optimising energy and transport systems that meet the challenges of the future.

Hybrid simulation methods to predict stochastic phenomena in combustion engines. Optimisation of overall systems that combine sources of renewable energy, energy converters, new types of energy carriers and energy storage. Tribological simulation of the piston/ring/liner system to predict friction, wear and lubricating oil consumption. Improving the wear resistance of spark plug electrodes by coating them with innovative hybrid metal-ceramic materials.

There is large potential for reducing CO2 and other emissions in the manufacture of metallic materials. For example, we develop software-supported solutions for adaptive production of high-quality lightweight steel and electrical sheets using recycled material. To do this, we create digital twins of the production chain for metallic long and flat products and piece parts. In addition, we investigate the energy efficiency of the individual manufacturing processes.
A further topic is the substitution of critical raw materials. We have systematic workflows and extensive databases that allow us to determine more environmentally friendly materials, with effective performance, in a quick and timely manner. The performance of new sustainable material substitutes is tested directly in our laboratories.

We develop new materials for storing and transporting compressed hydrogen and liquid hydrogen as well as their derived synthetic fuels. In addition, we investigate the safe use and engineering of existing and new infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage. We offer experimental and computational options for studying the interaction of hydrogen with materials and develop design software for hydrogen applications.

MCL is the materials research institute for the railway sector in Austria. We are predominantly involved with metallic materials for rail infrastructure and bogie assemblies.
In the automotive sector, we develop material-based solutions for corrosion-protected lightweight construction as well as the corresponding manufacturing processes and evaluation methods. In the e-mobility sector, we are developing innovations that will increase the efficiency of electric motors and enable efficient storage of electricity.
In the aviation sector, our focus is on material and manufacturing solutions for components in low CO2 and CO2-free propulsion systems.

We develop software and the related basic principles and models of materials to drive forward innovation in low-emission and sustainable materials and in manufacturing processes and products. Our approach combines the basic principles of physics with sensor data, using artificial intelligence and primarily hybrid, semi-parametric digital shadows and twins.

Investigation is being conducted by acib into depleted natural gas deposits; whether the long-term storage of hydrogen is possible there, and whether microorganisms are present that are able to convert H2 (by consuming CO2) into methane (CH4), which can then be fed into the existing natural gas network as Green Gas.

acib has developed enzymes that are able to modify the properties (e.g., printability) of various types of plastics (including PET, PU, ​​polyester, polyamide, etc.) or to break down plastics into their original monomers (recycling). These enzymes can also be used to break down microplastic particles.
acib develops technologies to break down different types of (mixed) textiles with the aid of enzymes.
This enables the break down, for example, of cellulose (cotton, lyocell, etc.) or plastic fibres (polyester, polyamide, etc.) for further use. In addition, this allows recovery of high-cost specialised molecules (such as the flame retardant in special fire-fighting garments).

acib can help realise new value chains, whereby waste and raw materials, which are readily and cheaply available, are converted into higher-value commodities using enzymes and/or microorganisms, such as: sugar to glycosides for the food, cosmetics and plastics industries or; fatty acids to tertiary alcohols for the cosmetics and fragrances sector.
acib develops solutions that use the greenhouse gas CO2 for the production of biomolecules. This can be via microbial electrolysis cells, which use electricity for direct conversion of CO2 into alcohols, or microbial systems, which reduce CO2 with the aid of H2 to produce proteins for feed and foodstuffs, bioplastics or other biomolecules.
acib develops bioprocess technologies for efficient production and purification of highly complex biomolecules (from biotherapeutics to vaccines, as well as a wide range of antibodies and proteins). acib has excellent expertise in the use of bioresources (enzymes and/or microorganisms) for the manufacture of various fine chemicals; dyes/fragrances/flavourings and active pharmaceutical ingredients, etc.

Connected and automated vehicles are one of the most important innovation drivers in the automotive industry. Research at VIRTUAL VEHICLE includes development, validation, testing and operation of fail-safe automated driving architectures and ensures a further increase in vehicle safety, as well as the safe, on-road coexistence of highly automated, networked vehicles with conventional vehicles. Automated driving, connected vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT) add new layers of security requirements. Experts at VIRTUAL VEHICLE are working on new solutions to meet these challenges, in particular, taking into account trustworthiness and social approval to increase market acceptance.

The K1-MET Research Area 1 is primarily involved in further development and upscaling of treatment processes for residues and recycled materials, such as slag and dust, with the aim of recovering valuable materials and closing material cycles. A further aspect of investigation is the characterisation and the efficient use of raw materials for metallurgical production processes.

Added to this is the development of methods for material data measurement of metallurgical slag systems.

We are a leading European research institute for wood and renewable raw materials. Our core competencies lie in materials research and process technology along the entire value chain - from the raw materials to the finished product. With the combined expertise of over 130 highly qualified researchers, this includes the development of basic principles and methodologies, and conducting applied research at the interface between science and business to enable efficient management of resources in the closed-loop bioeconomy.