Mission statement
Our credo
As a general university, the University of Graz sees itself as an international educational and research institution with a mission to conduct socially relevant and socially beneficial research and teaching.
Whilst maintaining the principle of freedom of research and teaching, we are constantly dealing with social, political and technological developments. Increasing flexibility and globalisation are key framework conditions in this respect. Profile building and visibility in the European and global context are of great importance to us, whereby a special feature of our university is its positioning in South Eastern Europe.
Research
We conduct basic and applied research at the highest level, based on the principles of scientific and ethical integrity. We promote diversity of topics and methods in an international network. We develop our profile by setting research priorities, taking into account socially relevant research issues.
Innovative interdisciplinary research and co-operation between subjects are specifically promoted. In terms of research-led teaching, we involve our students in research. We co-operate with excellent European and non-European universities and participate in important networks. We actively make the knowledge we generate through research and our research findings available to society.
Study and teaching
Our university is a place where students are educated to become independent and interdisciplinary thinking, critical graduates with a high level of professional and social competence. Teaching has the same importance as research and is further developed according to high quality standards. Research-led teaching takes into account the needs of students and the requirements of science, society and business. Innovative and interdisciplinary teaching plays an important role, as does the counselling and holistic training of students. We recognise students' personal responsibility for their learning processes and advocate the principle of co-design and co-determination in the further development of teaching. We promote student mobility through international mobility and joint study programmes.
Young scientists
We see ourselves as a nationally and internationally sought-after partner for early career researchers. Our doctoral students and postdocs work in networked research groups and receive sound preparation for successful work as scientists in a global context. We support young scientists through special training and mobility programmes as well as networking and cooperation with other scientific institutions and commercial enterprises.
Internationalisation
Our international networking in the areas of teaching, research and organisational and personnel development has increased significantly with regard to the formation of a European Higher Education Area. Our profile includes co-operations with excellent European and non-European universities. A special feature of our university is its close co-operation with South Eastern Europe and its participation in the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network, which provide additional opportunities for mobility and project co-operation. Internationally oriented personnel development measures include the internship programmes for teaching, research and administrative staff, which are unique in Austria, as well as the continuous increase in short-term teaching stays as part of the European Union's Socrates programme.
Site development and infrastructure
The scientific and economic environment is of great importance for the development of our university. We utilise the opportunities for cooperation with other universities and companies and contribute to the development of the location.
The expansion into a well-equipped campus university with short distances, needs-based infrastructure and efficient administration supports the core tasks of research and teaching.
Social responsibility
The members of our university - staff, students and alumni - support the university's role in society through active communication. Research findings and educational policy issues are communicated and discussed beyond the boundaries of the university. Promoting the concept of lifelong learning is a key concern for us, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of further and continuing education programmes for all generations.
One focus of our social responsibility is on ecological, economic and social sustainability. We are dedicated to sustainability issues in teaching and research as well as in university development.
Employees
We promote the intellectual, professional and personal development of our employees. We observe social principles and live a culture of open communication and mutual appreciation. Staff development is realised as a joint task shared by all university staff - especially managers and functionaries.
We create organisational framework conditions that support our employees in achieving a satisfactory work-life balance.
Equality, equal treatment and the advancement of women
Equality, equal treatment and the advancement of women are seen as a matter of course at the University of Graz. We strive for a balanced ratio between men and women, especially in management positions. Within the promotion of women, the promotion of young academics is a priority. We develop and promote co-operation models between university and non-university women's and gender studies.
Structure and resources
We profile the university as a comprehensive university with broad basic research, research-led teaching and interdisciplinary cooperation. Within the framework of academic self-administration and through the cooperation and co-determination of all university members, we are shaping a university that meets the requirements of a modern academic organisation. We optimise our range of services in teaching, research, services and our own organisation so that they meet high quality standards and take account of the rapid changes in our environment through continuous quality assurance measures.
We implement a budget allocation system that is based on the needs arising from the tasks and workload on the one hand and on the degree of fulfilment of target and performance agreements on the other. In addition, we honour innovative services. We conduct efficient public relations work both internally and externally. In doing so, we present ourselves as a dynamic, efficient, open institution organised in a spirit of partnership with a great tradition, which distinguishes itself through top performance in research, teaching and services.
We increase the public's acceptance of the University of Graz and graduates' identification with their university.
