The research projects presented here demonstrate that Fulda University of Applied Sciences ranks amongst the leading universities of applied sciences in Germany in terms of research strength. We are proud to have created a research environment in which our researchers can develop and carry out such research projects.
DFG Research Impulses
With “Research Impulses”, the German Research Foundation (DFG) supports coordinated research projects aimed at particularly research-intensive universities of applied sciences (UAS) and universities of applied sciences (UAS). The aim of this program is to support the establishment of excellent research and to enable the further development of the research profile. In this context, the DFG is now supporting two research projects at Fulda University of Applied Sciences:
Shaping Future Society - The Mutual Constitution of Future Oriented Practices and Communtiy (SaFe)
This sociologically orientated research project focuses on the question of how communities appoint themselves to crises with the help of alternative futures. To this end, SaFe is focussing on new communities that are already driving forward crisis-resilient futures in practice. The aim is to better understand the connection between communitisation and ideas about the future. Further information
Making e-participation usable for transformations: Exploring fields of application, influencing factors and effects (eParT)
The research network "Harnessing eParticipation for transformations: Exploring fields of application, influencing factors and impacts (eParT)" is investigating how digital participation can contribute to successfully implementing social change processes. What makes the project special: Not only are researchers from different disciplines working together in eParT, the collaboration between research and society is also being strengthened. Further information
SaFe
Shaping Future Society – The Mutual Constitution of Future-Oriented Practices and Community
This sociologically oriented research project focuses on the question of how communities adapt to crises with the help of alternative visions of the future. To this end, SaFe turns its attention to new forms of community-building that are already actively promoting crisis-resilient visions of the future. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between community-building and visions of the future.
eParT
Harnessing e-participation for transformation: exploring areas of application, influencing factors and impacts
The “eParT” research consortium is investigating how digital participation can contribute to successfully implementing processes of social change. What makes the project special is that eParT not only brings together researchers from various disciplines, but also strengthens collaboration between academia and society.
LOEWE stands for the “State Initiativefor the Development ofAcademic and EconomicExcellence”. Through the LOEWE program, the state government of Hesse supports outstanding collaborative research projects carried out by universities and research institutions/institutes in Hesse. The specialisation is on fostering links between academia, non-university research and business. There are various funding streams (1–5); further information on the LOEWE funding streams is available. Fulda University of Applied Sciences is currently involved in two LOEWE projects under funding streams 2 and 3.
LOEWE 2 supports the development of LOEWE specialisations, whilst LOEWE 3 supports research and development projects carried out in collaboration between at least one enterprise and at least one university or research institution/institute in Hesse.
These are the current LOEWE projects in which Fulda University of Applied Sciences is involved:
HABITAT (LOEWE Funding Programme 2)
Health Impacted by Climate Change and Air Pollution – Pathophysiology and Regional Management
As part of the HABITAT project, Philipps University of Marburg and Fulda University of Applied Sciences are jointly investigating the effects of climatic and environmental factors (e.g. heat, rapid temperature changes, air pollution, pollen exposure) on patients with heart conditions (e.g. coronary heart disease or heart failure), respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and pregnant women with high blood pressure. The aim of the project is to develop strategies for adapting regional health care provision in Eastern and Central Hesse to climatic conditions.
ZuBaTrans (LOEWE Funding Programme 3)
A forward-looking concept for batteries and charging networks to support the green transition in road freight transport
As part of the ‘ZuBaTrans’ project, researchers at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are working with partners from business and academia to develop solutions for deploying electric lorries in a more cost-effective manner that benefits the grid. Together, the project partners are developing software that harnesses the potential of bidirectional charging systems.
Global Health Diasporas
How Mobile Health Professionals Abroad Improve the Health of Minority Groups in Communities in Colombia, Ghana and Sri Lanka
Many countries in the Global South, particularly in rural areas, are struggling with a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, whilst at the same time large numbers of healthcare professionals are migrating, mostly to wealthier countries. This ‘medical brain drain’ weakens domestic healthcare provision. Yet there are opportunities: return migration, knowledge transfer and investment can contribute to strengthening healthcare systems in the countries of origin. The research team is investigating how healthcare professionals living abroad can bring about positive change in Colombia, Ghana and Sri Lanka. The focus is on the societal and social factors that influence these professionals’ return, and on exchange with local communities.
Medical care centres
A focus on the common good or a two-tier healthcare system?
Outpatient health care provided by medical care centres (MVZs) acts as a kind of prism through which to view the health care system in Germany. At the same time, the actual effects of various MVZ models on the health care landscape remain largely unclear. Against this backdrop, the research project combines an examination of the current situation with a forward-looking, potential-oriented analysis.
WesBe
Further development of health care following domestic and sexual violence, taking account of the perspectives of those affected
This research project aims to contribute to improving healthcare provision for victims of domestic and sexual violence in line with their needs. By involving those affected, the project seeks to identify factors that hinder or support gender- and diversity-sensitive care.
