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 research and teaching that is relevant to and promotes society. While upholding the principle of freedom of research and teaching, we permanently deal with social, political and technological developments. Increasing flexibility and globalization are essential framework conditions. 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 the Southeast European region.
Research
We conduct top-level basic and applied research 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 questions. Innovative interdisciplinary research and cooperation between subjects are specifically promoted. In the sense of research-guided teaching, we involve our students in research. We cooperate with excellent European and non-European universities and participate in important networks. We actively make our knowledge generated through research and our research results available to society.
Study and teaching
Our university is a place for the education of students to become independent and interdisciplinary thinking, critical graduates with high 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 advising guidance and holistic training of students. We recognize 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 programs.
Young scientists
We see ourselves as a nationally and internationally sought-after partner for young scientists. Our PhD 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 programs as well as networking and cooperation with other scientific institutions and business enterprises.
Internationalization
Our international networking in the areas of teaching, research, and organizational and personnel development is significantly increased in view of the formation of a European higher education area. Our profile includes cooperations with excellent European and non-European universities. A special feature of our university is the close cooperation with Southeastern Europe as well as the network participation in the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network, within the framework of which additional opportunities for both mobility and project cooperation exist. Internationally oriented personnel development measures include the internship programs for staff in teaching, research and administration, which are unique in Austria, as well as the continuous increase in short-term teaching stays within the framework of the Socrates Program of the European Union.
Site development and infrastructure
The scientific and economic environment is of great importance for the development of our university. We take advantage of opportunities for cooperation with other universities and companies and contribute to the development of the location. The development into an excellently equipped campus university with short distances, demand-oriented 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 social role of the university through active communication. Research results and also educational policy issues are communicated and discussed beyond the boundaries of the university. It is a central concern of ours to promote the concept of lifelong learning, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of continuing education and training courses for all generations. One focus in fulfilling our social responsibility lies in particular in the area of ecological, economic and social sustainability. We address 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. Personnel development is realized as a common task shared by all university employees - especially by managers and functionaries. We create an organizational framework that supports our employees in achieving a satisfactory work-life balance.
Equality, equal treatment and 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 scientists is a focal point. We develop and promote cooperation models of 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 scientific enterprise. We optimize our range of services in teaching, research, service and our own organization so that it meets high quality standards and takes into account the rapid changes in our environment through continuous quality assurance measures. We implement a budget allocation system that is based on the one hand on the needs given by the tasks and burdens and on the other hand on the degree of fulfillment of target and performance agreements. In addition, we reward innovative performance. We conduct efficient public relations both internally and externally. In doing so, we present ourselves as a dynamic, efficient, open and cooperatively organized institution with a great tradition, which distinguishes itself through top performance in research, teaching and services. We increase the public acceptance of the University of Graz and the identification of graduates with their university.
