KIKT: Study visit held in Graz and Vienna, Austria
Graz/Vienna. The second study visit in the Tempus project “KIKT – Kosovo Interdisciplinary Knowledge Triangle Center” took place at the Medical University of Graz as well as at the Medical University of Vienna from March 09-13, 2011. The visiting high-level delegation from the University of Prishtina consisted of deans and professors of all three participating faculties of the University of Prishtina as well as the IKTC Center manager. The delegation took part in a workshop, led by the project partner Austin, Pock + Partners, on the strategic orientation of the IKTC and the University of Prishtina and discussed research topics and research trends; the services that should be provided; funding and collaboration; as well as teaching and training opportunities. They also had the opportunity to visit the Center for Medical Research in Graz and the Anna-Spiegel Center of Translational Research in Vienna and to discuss the structure of the PhD programs at the Medical Universities of Graz and Vienna. Furthermore, the Vice-Rector for Research in Graz, Univ. Prof. Dr. Lippe, and the Vice-Rector for Education in Vienna, Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Mallinger, received the Kosovar delegation to discuss existing cooperation projects and to elaborate on potential future joint projects.
The project KIKT started in January 2010 and aims at improving the conditions for the development of professional research capacities at the Faculties of Medicine, of Mathematical and Natural Sciences and of Agriculture as well as at implementing an interdisciplinary PhD study program. In the upcoming phase of the project major efforts will be made regarding the definition of an interdisciplinary PhD, research, innovation and training strategy and a PhD program.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mag. Christian Fritz from Austin, Pock + Partners in Graz and Prof. Margarethe Geiger from the Medical University of Vienna for hosting this study visit and for their invaluable help in bringing together all relevant stakeholders from both universities and research centers. All colleagues involved made this study visit a very fruitful stay and provided the delegation from Kosovo with new ideas.
