Project

KAT - Competence Network for Applied and Transfer-Oriented Research

Shaping structural change through research - realignment of the Competence Network for Applied and Transfer-Oriented Research (KAT)

The universities of Anhalt, Harz, Magdeburg-Stendal and Merseburg have been cooperating in the Competence Network for Applied and Transfer-Oriented Research (KAT) since 2006 to increase the innovative strength and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in Saxony-Anhalt. With the relaunch of this network for the period 2024-2027, the joint goal of research cooperation on climate neutrality in Saxony-Anhalt is being pursued for the first time. To this end, strategic coordination is taking place at the management level of the participating universities, so that the four universities will cooperate much more closely in dealing with complex challenges in connection with climate change.

The joint overarching tasks of the KAT universities consist of two main areas: Strengthening research within the individual universities and the introduction of accompanying research on the effectiveness and efficiency of network activities.

For the management and coordination of KAT-related research in the three research focus areas of Life Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Information and Communication Technology & Media Technology, research focus area managers are appointed at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, who initiate the search for ideas and partners for new cooperation projects, coordinate external inquiries and improve internal networking and interdisciplinary work through the exchange of information.

The following research modules are being worked on through multilateral cooperation with research partners from various sectors of the regional Economics:

• Greenhouse gas reduction in rural areas
• Sustainable food production
• Algae cultivation for valuable and active ingredients
• Resource-saving process technologies and sustainable building materials
• Big data and artificial intelligence in photovoltaics
• Innovative Media Technology for the promotion of climate neutrality

Scientists from various fields of research are working together, focusing on concepts and technologies to promote the transformation to climate neutrality in Saxony-Anhalt. Innovative media concepts will be used to raise awareness of the need for climate protection measures in Economics and society.

By the end of the project, KAT should have firmly established itself in its new role as a research partner and active researcher. Thanks to the increased visibility of KAT, the university network will serve as a central point of contact for initiating national and international research collaborations with regional Economics.

Funding program: Saxony-Anhalt WISSENSCHAFT Research and Innovation (ERDF)

Funding period: 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027

Total funding amount applied for from all universities: 19,871,903 euros

Funding amount applied for by Anhalt University of Applied Sciences: 5,223,273 euros

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