Bernhard Fügenschuh:

“Universities are in a good financial position”

The universities in Austria are in a good financial position with the additional 14.5 billion euros recently agreed in the performance agreements. The new Rector of the University of Salzburg, Bernhard Fügenschuh, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations.

The geologist from Tyrol took over the rectorate with his team on October 1, 2024. Overall, the performance of the local universities is very good within the bounds of what is possible, Fügenschuh stated. The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg currently has a budget of around 620 million euros, plus third-party funding of 20 to 30 million euros. This year alone, three ERC Starting Grants and two doctoral programs have gone to Salzburg, the new rector is very satisfied with the commitment. His aim is to provide even better support for research so that it can concentrate on its actual tasks and not spend too much time on administrative activities.

The Rector also sees enthusiastic researchers who pass on their knowledge and fascination for the respective subject to students as the key to further increasing examination activity. With 68 percent of students completing courses worth at least 16 ECTS credits per year, the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg has the most actively examining students of all comparable universities in Austria. However, the Rector emphasized that one cannot rest on one's laurels: "It can also be more sporty."