Contents. 10 years of NAWI Graz highlights 4. Joint nomination of professors 6. NAWI Graz Advanced School of Science (GASS) 8

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Contents 10 years of NAWI Graz highlights 4 Joint nomination of professors 6 NAWI Graz Advanced School of Science (GASS) 8 NAWI Graz virtual library 10 NAWI Graz central labs and core facilities 12 NAWI Graz infrastructure funding 14 NAWI Graz gender projects 16 NAWI Graz study programmes 18 NAWI Graz organization 20 Imprint 22

Highlights 2004 2014 Finalization of the Letter of Intent for NAWI Graz The universities submit their first joint application for NAWI Graz funding. The Federal Ministry awards initial funding for the NAWI Graz project. Finalization of the NAWI Graz contract Start of the NAWI Graz bachelor s programmes Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Molecular Biology, and the master s study programme Earth Sciences Start of six further NAWI Graz master s programmes Start of the NAWI Graz master s programmes Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering and Mathematical Computer Science 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Implementation of the four NAWI Graz Faculty Work Groups Chemistry (incl. Bioscience), Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics NAWI Graz approves the first funding for the DK Molecular Enzymology. NAWI Graz receives funding from Federal Ministry (performance agreement 2007-09). Start of the NAWI Graz Doctoral Schools 4

NAWI Graz receives funding from Federal Ministry (performance agreement 2010-12). First joint NAWI Graz professorships in Mathematics External evaluation of NAWI Graz. The implementation of the recommendations starts immediately after the evaluation is closed. Constitution of the international NAWI Graz Scientific Advisory Board Start of two more NAWI Graz Central Labs Re-integration of the NAWI Graz Faculty Work Group Physics First NAWI Graz research grants for female scientists Start of the interuniversity NAWI Graz alumni section Press conference 10 years of NAWI Graz Transformation of two master s programmes in the field of Chemistry to English programmes 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Start of the NAWI Graz virtual library Start of the first Fulbright-NAWI Graz professorship Start of the NAWI Graz master s programmes Plant Sciences and Nanophysics Start of the first NAWI Graz Central Lab Start of the NAWI Graz master s programme Space Sciences and Earth from Space Start of the NAWI Graz bachelor s programme Mathematics and the bachelor s and master s programme USW NAWI-TECH NAWI Graz receives funding from Federal Ministry (performance agreement 2013-15) NAWI Graz Core Facility in Physics is approved Start of the NAWI Graz bachelor s programme Physics Start of the fourth NAWI Graz Central Lab Celebration of the 10th anniversary of NAWI Graz 5

Joint nomination of professors Appointing a new professor is always a major decision for a university. It has a significant effect on how a particular subject is re presented in terms of research and teaching on a long-term basis. In the case of NAWI Graz, the two universities have agreed to align future professorships located in the five NAWI Graz areas. This ensures on the one hand that each of the disciplines is represented comprehensively, and on the other hand, that universities are able to stay future-oriented when deciding who to appoint. Furthermore, concerted actions regarding the nomination of visiting professors have a long tradition in Graz. For this reason, both universities have started cooperation with the Fulbright Commission, in order to establish Fulbright-NAWI Graz Visiting Professors in the Natural Sciences. This Fulbright Commission programme aims to bring distinguished researchers from the United States to Graz for teaching as well as for research. Each Fulbright professorship is funded for a four-month period. Fulbright- NAWI Graz Visiting Professors are integrated into research and teaching at both universities, which makes the programme highly beneficial for students and researchers. Students attend lectures given in English by native speakers and researchers get the chance to start new partnerships. Extending the existing practice of coordinating future nominations of professors in the area of natural sciences, both universities started to conduct the joint nomination of professors in 2010. Appointment committees in this nomination process consist of members from both universities. Using this approach, all experts are integrated into the process of finding the best scientist for an open position and as a result, the nominated professors are perfectly integrated into the NAWI Graz cooperation right from the start. Fulbright-NAWI Graz Professors 6

Karin Baur, NAWI Graz Professor of Algebra, University of Graz, with a student. Fulbright-NAWI Graz Professor Karin Ruhlandt, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. (From left to right) Peter Grabner, Professor of Constructive and Computational Mathematics and Jussi Behrndt, NAWI Graz Professor of Differential Equations, both Graz University of Technology. 7

NAWI Graz Advanced School of Science (GASS) The training of the next generation of excellent scientists and highly qualified executives for science and industry is carried out within the framework of the NAWI Graz Advanced School of Science (GASS). In 2006, both universities established doctoral schools, which agreed on inter-university statutes, allowing them to cooperate more closely. High quality standards are maintained, since the doctoral training at both universities complies with the Salzburg Principles (e.g. doctoral students are to be considered as early-stage researchers; they are involved in actual research projects; a training agreement is compulsory). Furthermore, as doctoral training and research are very closely interlinked, the doctoral training is also subject to the quality criteria of research funding agencies. Doctoral candidates are members of the inter-university Doctoral Schools and benefit from the support of teachers and researchers from both universities. Joint programmes such as DocDays mini-congresses, organized by doctoral students not only bring together doctoral students with various research problems, but also enhance their organizational and presentational skills. Funds provided for the NAWI Graz Doctoral Schools can be used to partially cover costs for doctoral students to participate in congresses abroad (if they give their own presentation), as well as for special lectures provided by visiting scientists. The number of doctoral students in the NAWI Graz area has risen to around 640 students in the past ten years. 8

Research projects in NAWI Graz areas Research cooperation in the area of natural sciences between Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz has a long tradition. Indeed, research cooperation and especially inter-university research projects have become an important nucleus for the implementation and further development of NAWI Graz, as these projects have fostered many new partnerships between scientists. During the implementation of NAWI Graz, an increased emphasis has been placed on inter-university research projects that are located at the interface between epistemological and applicationoriented research, in order to support these as well as possible. As a result, scientists have started to apply for collaborative projects like DKs and SFBs, which are carried out in a much larger context. Since 2010, NAWI Graz has been focusing on these collaborative research projects. As these are subject to strict evaluation criteria, they strive for very high quality standards. Furthermore, collaborative research projects have a long-term perspective, and bring together researchers from both universities and often from various disciplines. Examples of such collaborative research projects were/are: DK Molecular Enzymology (Bioscience/Chemistry); DK fforte FreChe Materie (Chemistry/Bioscience); DK Numerical Simulations in Technical Sciences (Mathematics/Engineering); DK Discrete Mathematics (Mathematics); DK/IGK Optimization and Numerical Analysis for Partial Differential Equations with Non-smooth Structures (Mathematics); SFB Mathematical Optimization and Applications in Biomedical Sciences (Mathematics), and SFB Lipotoxicity: Lipidinduced Cell Dysfunction and Cell Death (Bioscience). The success of NAWI Graz areas in terms of research is manifested in the development of third-party funding. Starting with EUR 15.6 million in 2006, the annual thirdparty income was increased to approx. EUR 25 million within 7 years. In 2013, 450 research projects were conducted in the NAWI Graz areas of Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz. 9

NAWI Graz virtual library The NAWI Graz virtual library is a very good example of how to make best use of synergies beyond research and teaching. As a result of negotiations with publishing houses, the University of Graz and Graz University of Technology were given the opportunity to jointly purchase literature for both universities at much better conditions. The range of the NAWI Graz virtual library comprises: Elsevier Backfiles A total of 437 different journals by Elsevier can be accessed from year one to 1994 as electronic resources. The e-journals cover the following areas: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Earth Sciences; Mathematics, and Physics. The journals can be accessed via the Electronic Journals Library (EJL) as full papers. For many of these journals, more recent issues are also available through regular subscription by the university libraries. Wiley-Blackwell Backfiles A further 200 journals again from year one to the mid-1990s are offered by the NAWI Graz virtual library and can be accessed quickly and easily from any working place on campus. The e-journals cover the following areas: Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Biophysics; Analytical Sciences; Cell and Developmental Biology; Chemistry/Chemistry societies; Polymers; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Food Science, Technology and Agriculture; Materials Science; Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy 10

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NAWI Graz Central Labs and Core Facilities The objective of the NAWI Graz Central Labs/Core Facilities programme is to acquire cost-intensive scientific instruments for which there is considerable demand. Central Labs bundle thematically related equipment at one location. As this equipment is open for use by all NAWI Graz researchers, utilization of instruments is optimized and measuring periods can be kept short. Core Facilities are single pieces of high-performance equipment, which are urgently needed by several research groups. As with the infrastructure funding, Central Labs/Core Facilities can also only be funded by up to 50% of the purchase/installation price. Contrary to infrastructure funding, there are no submission deadlines. Proposals can be submitted at any time. As the implementation of the Central Labs/ Core Facilities is complex and requires various aspects to be taken into consideration, the NAWI Graz Deans have created a different approval procedure. This multi-tier approval procedure starts with a proposal from an inter-university group. Once a proposal has been accepted, it will be developed further to gether with the NAWI Graz Deans. The existing Central Labs are: NAWI Graz Central Lab Water, Minerals and Rocks The NAWI Graz Central Lab Water, Minerals and Rocks is based on an initiative started by NAWI Graz Earth Scientists and was begun in July 2011. Its research focuses on the creation and decay of minerals, but also on the age and chemistry of the Earth by investigating geochemical processes in the biosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. The analyses of these highly sensitive samples with the help of high-resolution mass spectrometry requires state-ofthe-art cleanroom technology, providing ambient air with almost zero floating particles. As a result, the concentration of atoms in water, minerals and rocks can be determined. NAWI Graz Central Lab Graz Cell Informatics and Analyses [GRACIA] In 2013, the first expansion stage of the NAWI Graz Central Lab Cell Informatics and Analyses (GRA- CIA) was begun. Bundling a highthroughput cell analysis, a cell sorter and server systems, more efficient screening methods for bioactive substances can be conducted. Moreover, using the existing disrupted-yeast strain bank for genome-wide research on aging, cell death and autophagy is feasible. Overall, the Central Lab provides a great platform to conduct systems biology research at a functional level. It also allows the quicker identification and characterization of the root causes for disturbance of the human lipid metabolism or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer s or Parkinson s, on the basis of model organisms and high-throughput screens of substances or genes. 12

NAWI Graz Central Lab Environmental, Plant & Microbial Metabolomics Since 2012, the NAWI Graz Central Lab Environmental, Plant & Microbial Metabolomics has brought together research groups from Bioscience, Chemistry and Pharmacy. The aim of the Central Lab is the structural elucidation of microbial and herbal substances, and investigations into their metabolism as well as their biological effect and impact on the environment. The main instrument is a high-resolution mass spectrometer, capable of both quantification and accurate mass measurements, coupled to an Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (UHPLC). NAWI Graz Central Lab Biobased Products The main objective of the Central Lab Biobased Products (Chemistry/Chemical Engineering) is the development and implementation of new technologies for the production and isolation of natural substances (e.g. flavourings, colourings), active substances (e.g. insecticides, fungicides) and bulk products (e.g. ethanol, furfural) from lignocellulose-based materials. State of the art pulping does cause massive damage to the chemical structure of several valuable ingredients of lignocellulosic feed. Beside lignin these valuable by-products can be completely separated and isolated from the feed by applying combinations of different extraction techniques. Novel isolation and separation technologies need to be developed and implemented. Further NAWI Graz Central Labs and Core Facilities are being developed. 13

NAWI Graz infrastructure funding According to the existing practice of third-party funding agencies, such as the Austrian Science Fund and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), research funds can be used for staffing or material expenditure, but only in rare cases for the procurement of scientific equipment. In order to ensure the availability of the equipment required for joint research projects and to provide a good position for the acquisition of third-party funds, the NAWI Graz infrastructure funding and the NAWI Graz Central Labs/ Core Facilities have been established as subsidy programmes. Via the NAWI Graz infrastructure funding programme, single pieces of new equipment and appropriate additions to existing equipment can be funded by up to 50% of the purchase price. For this purpose, two or more researchers from both universities file a joint application. Aspects that are taken into account when approving decisions include, for instance: existing joint publications/research activities or the availability of other infrastructure that is required for the operation of the desired instrument (e.g. vibration-free installation location). In six years, between 2008 and 2014, more than 100 joint infrastructure procurements were concluded. By co-financing 2.2 million euros, equipment to the amount of 5.3 million euros was purchased. Infrastructure maps Making equipment available to all NAWI Graz members is one of the basic ideas of the cooperative NAWI Graz infrastructure funding. To further enhance the benefits of existing infrastructure, information related to these instruments has to be made visible. For this reason, NAWI Graz has started to create infrastructure maps that can be obtained from www.nawigraz.at. At present, two such maps dedicated to highresolution mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy show: which instruments are available in Graz, and how these are configured; which measurements can be carried out, and who can be contacted for further information. As a valuable addition, the infrastructure maps also include equipment that is located at the Medical University of Graz. 14

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NAWI Graz gender projects Building on the first initiatives in 2008, gender projects have become a very important pillar of the NAWI Graz cooperation since 2010. The performance agreement 2013-15 again includes the realization of gender projects to provide support for female staff researchers, especially during their habilitation. The NAWI Graz gender projects comprise: NAWI Graz support for young female scientists Experience shows that it is much harder for female scientists to receive project funding from industrial enterprises. To provide the best possible conditions for future research projects, all staff scientists (qualification agreements/career positions) receive a research grant and are allowed to submit one application for infrastructure funding at their own reduced contribution rate. Furthermore, the University of Graz established the young female researcher s group grant: Female researchers who fulfil all application criteria are invited to submit a project proposal. A total of five highly ambitious projects have been submitted. From these proposals, the projects of Dr. Monika Oberer (Molecular Biology) and Dr. Manuela Temmer (Physics) were chosen. At Graz University of Technology, two female staff positions have been created. NAWI Graz master s theses grant In 2010, NAWI Graz initiated a master s theses grant (comparable to the Forschungsbeihilfe provided by the Austrian Science Fund) for female scientific staff members to give direct support for master s theses they supervise. This is primarily intended to leverage the colleagues research and also to lead to a higher rate of approved project proposals. From 2010 to 2014, a total of 29 master s theses grants for female staff members were awarded. NAWI Graz travel grant for incoming female scientists NAWI Graz seeks to invite wellestablished female scientists to give keynote presentations at international congresses held in Graz. These scientists can apply to have their travel expenses co-funded by NAWI Graz. In exchange, the presentation must be announced as a NAWI Graz lecture in the congress programme. 16

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NAWI Graz study programmes Realized in Graz: Instead of offering separate study programmes, Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz started to conduct joint study programmes in Bioscience, Chemistry, Earth, Space and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Physics in 2006. NAWI Graz curricula are elaborated by an inter-university committee and approved by the senates of both universities. This means that the universities have to agree which share of teaching is provided by which university, since lectures for a NAWI Graz study programme will be offered only once in Graz. NAWI Graz students are registered at the university of their choice and will also be automatically registered at the partner university. During their studies, they are trained at both universities and are able to choose supervisors for bachelor s and master s theses from the university of their choice, without changing the university at which they are registered. Benefits of the NAWI Graz study programmes: higher quality of study programmes by using the best resources of both universities; eliminating duplicate lectures and courses; increased permeability of study programme structure; larger choice of possibilities for bachelor s and master s degree students, and new and well-matched master s programmes. Since the winter term 2013, the following 18 NAWI Graz bachelor s and master s study programmes with a total of 4,600 students have been offered in cooperation: Molecular Bioscience, Biotechnology, Plant Science Chemistry, Chemical an Pharmaceutical Engineering Earth, Space and Environmental Science (ESES) Fundamental and Applied Mathematics Physics Bachelor (180 ECTS) BA Molecular Biology BA Chemistry BA Earth Sciences BA Mathematics BA Physics BA USW NAWI-TECH MA Molecular Microbiology MA Chemistry MA Earth Sciences MA Mathematical Computer Sciences Master (120 ECTS) MA Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine MA Biotechnology MA Technical Chemistry [English Program] MA Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering [English Program] MA Geospatial Technologies MA Space Sciences and Earth from Space MA Plant Science MA USW NAWI-TECH 18

English NAWI Graz master s programmes The current internationalization strategy of NAWI Graz has led to the further development of selected NAWI Graz master s study programmes. After a complete revision, the two NAWI Graz master s study programmes Technical Chemistry and Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering will be offered in English exclusively, starting in the winter term 2014. NAWI Graz student mobility Experience acquired abroad during the time as a student is tremendously important. For this reason, NAWI Graz provides support to improve student mobility. In the past, students were able to participate in mobility programmes offered by the university at which they were registered. Guidelines from mobility agencies limit programme place availability to this fact. By providing financial support, NAWI Graz students are able to choose from the mobility programmes of both universities. Since 2010, 220 additional stays abroad have been made possible for NAWI Graz students. NAWI Graz alumni In 2014, NAWI Graz established its own alumni service, enabling graduates to stay in touch with both universities and to take part in events organized by the universities alumni organizations. 19

NAWI Graz organization A compact organizational structure has been developed for NAWI Graz in order to support its continuous development. Moreover, this structure guarantees that all executives and committees of Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz are involved in decision-making. Steering Committee NAWI Graz Vice Rectors NAWI Graz Advisory Board NAWI Graz Deans Scientific Advisory Board NAWI Graz Deans office Molecular Bioscience, Biotechnology, Plant Science Chemistry, Chemical an Pharmaceutical Engineering Earth, Space and Environmental Science (ESES) Fundamental and Applied Mathematics Physics 20

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Imprint: NAWI Graz information brochure Special edition: 10 years of NAWI Graz Content: NAWI Graz Deans Office Krenngasse 37/1 8010 Graz, Austria All photos by Helmut Lunghammer, except picture of Karin Ruhlandt by Steve Sartori all charts by NAWI Graz Deans office Created by CONCLUSIO public relations, Graz Printed by Medienfabrik Graz 22

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