Research at the Federal Ministry
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management conducts and supports research and development in its entire area of competence. These activities cover a wide range of economically and socially relevant issues.
Research at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management research work provides new insights at the science-policy-society interface, which are directly incorporated into practice and serve as a basis of political decisions.
From food and water supply to circular economy, digitisation and safe areas of living: The research activities of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management contribute significantly to the economic development and to the quality of life in Austria.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management research activities are practice- and problem-oriented; priorities are defined in a specific programme for “Research and Development”. The Ministry’s research deals with issues of policy, the economy and society, and is interdisciplinary. The objective of this research work is to obtain scientific insights for technical decisions and policy consultation.
The Federal Ministry research is based on three pillars:
- Research institutions of the Ministry
- Research contracts awarded to external project applicants
- Cooperation in national and European research programmes
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management addresses issues that are essential for the future: Will we have enough wholesome food and clean water in the future? What is our approach to climate change and how do we protect the environment and our resources? How do we maintain the health of forests and soils? What about the security of supply with raw materials and energy? How will we become largely independent of fossil fuels? How do we ensure attractive areas of living and economy for the people in this country? The research activities are oriented towards these issues.
Agencies and research contracts
The work of the nine research agencies of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, which cooperate with partners in Austria and abroad, is playing an important part. In addition, two outsourced institutions actively conduct research activities. The scope of activities ranges from the challenges of climate change to modern, resource-saving production with the opportunities of digitisation, and social and educational research.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management awards research contracts to external research partners. Another important area is the participation in national and international research programmes and thus the representation in the relevant research bodies. This supplements the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management expertise. By means of international cooperation the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management enables research organisations to participate in European research projects. Moreover, research addresses topics that require transnational cooperation.
Research and education
Five actively researching agencies have been combined with secondary agricultural colleges to form “Höhere Bundeslehr- und Forschungsanstalten” (secondary research and education centres, “HBLFA”). This is a unique offer from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management to young people who are interested in science. Pupils become researchers at school age already and benefit from the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.