Federal-State Cooperation

The federal/state cooperation in Styria supports large-scale, application-oriented research projects that lie in the joint interest of the federal government and the states. As a grant program with an open submission deadline, it particularly funds projects that identify existing research gaps and quickly transfer them into practice. The focus is on interdisciplinary approaches and a significant contribution to sustainable development. By coordinating financial resources from the federal government and the states, an expanded funding landscape is created that strengthens the research landscape of Styria while simultaneously addressing Europe-wide compatible strategic fields—such as environment and energy, nutrition and health, or mobility and tourism. Submissions are made via the DaFNE research platform of the Federal Ministry, ensuring a formal cooperation structure with its own coordination committee. This committee reviews project proposals technically and decides on funding based on joint quality criteria.

Eligible for funding are educational institutions, non-profit organizations, universities, scientific associations, and other research institutions in Styria that implement application-oriented research projects aligned with the coordinated federal-state interests. Evaluation is based on application orientation, interdisciplinarity, and contribution to sustainable development. A prerequisite for a successful application is membership in the federal-state coordination committee as well as a comprehensive project proposal submitted via DaFNE. This structured funding line creates a forum for knowledge transfer and the joint development of innovative solutions in the region, further improving the scientific infrastructure landscape in Styria and emphasizing the practical benefits of research results.