Research Forum 2026 in Graz
Applied research meets real-world practice—and our alumna is right in the middle of it all
On April 15 and 16, 2026, the 19th Research Forum of Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences took place at FH CAMPUS 02 in Graz. The event is considered one of the key platforms for exchange in the field of applied research in Austria and brought together around 300 participants from academia, business, and politics.
Under the motto “Smart Science. Better Business.,” the focus was particularly on practical research projects that provide concrete solutions to economic and societal challenges. Numerous projects were presented in the form of talks and posters—ranging from innovation and marketing to sustainable development and health.
Successful Performance by Our Alumna
Our alumna Alexandra Schermann, a graduate of the master’s program in Business Administration and Business Psychology, also participated with her master’s thesis and presented her findings under the title: “One-Size-Fits-All or Tailored Organizational Culture?”
In her thesis, she uses a quantitative study to examine which organizational cultures prevail in successful IT companies in Austria and which factors play a role in this. The results show that there is no universally “correct” organizational culture. Rather, the fit depends heavily on the specific organizational structure and the company’s requirements. The findings thus also challenge the widespread assumption that a strong organizational culture is, in and of itself, a factor for success.
Research That Makes a Difference
The Research Forum 2026 has once again demonstrated the role that universities of applied sciences play in the innovation system: They serve as an interface between academia and practice and drive the development of concrete, actionable solutions.
The fact that our graduates are part of this discourse and present their research on the national stage underscores FERNFH’s commitment to combining academic excellence with high practical relevance.
