Research and teaching at CU Carinthia University
At CU Carinthia University, research and teaching are closely interconnected and complement each other. Our approach actively involves students in the research process, familiarizing them with the fundamental principles and methods of research. In this way, we promote not only scientific understanding but also the practical application of research findings in real-world contexts.
The topics addressed in our research, as well as the content of our degree programs and continuing education programs, are aligned with the current and future needs of society and the economy. Through the close integration of research and teaching, we continuously develop and refine our programs to respond to evolving challenges.
In doing so, we aim to strengthen both the scientific knowledge and methodological skills of our students, enabling them to contribute actively to society and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Research and teaching in the faculties
Across the university’s four faculties, research and teaching are closely integrated, creating a direct link between scientific findings, technological developments, and professional practice. The latest research findings are continuously incorporated into teaching, enabling students to engage with the current developments and relevant issues. Through application-oriented courses, laboratory exercises, and research projects, they acquire in-depth subject knowledge, scientific and methodological skills, innovative thinking, and practical problem-solving skills. The spectrum ranges from technological and engineering topics to health, nursing, and social sciences, as well as economic issues, sustainable construction, architecture, digitalization, and urban development. Students learn to apply scientific methods, analyze real-world problems, and independently develop well-founded solutions. In this way, scientific thinking, creative design, and practical implementation come together to provide a hands-on, evidence-based, and future-oriented education.
UNESCO Chair
Our mission: To conduct excellent research and provide inspiring learning experiences for nature conservation in the 21st century in order to “support individuals, institutions and societies in the management of protected areas.” This is the mandate of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Management of Protected Areas at CU Carinthia University.
The UNESCO Chair is headed by University of Applied Sciences Professor Michael Jungmeier. He is a professor of nature conservation and sustainability. He has more than 30 years of international professional experience in nature conservation, particularly in the planning and management of protected areas, such as nature parks, national parks and Natura 2000 sites.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It launched the UNESCO Chairs Program in 1992. CU Carinthia University is therefore an active member of the global UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Program. This program currently includes 850 institutions in 117 countries. We are proud of these partnerships.
The UNESCO Chair was established in 2020. It has developed into an internationally recognized center of excellence, innovation and new technologies in nature conservation. The Chair’s activities are based on an interdisciplinary, holistic and integrated understanding of protected areas, as represented and exemplified by UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and UNESCO Geoparks. In this way, biodiversity, climate protection and sustainable development (SDGs) are supported through research and continuing education.