Federal Minister Holzleitner visits FH Kufstein Tirol
- 01.12.2025
- General
On the roof terrace of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol: DDr. Herwig Van Staa (Deputy Chairman of the Board), Prof. (FH) PD Dr. habil. Mario Döller (Rector of the University of Applied Sciences), Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia Van der Vorst (Vice Rector of the University of Applied Sciences), Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BSc, Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch (Managing Director), and Dr. Herbert Marschitz (Chairman of the Board of the Kufstein Tirol University of Applied Sciences Private Foundation) from left to right, with a view of the Kufstein Fortress.
Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BSc (SPÖ), visited the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and gained comprehensive insights into the campus during a tour.
On the 27th of November 2025, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol welcomed Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, who attended the OeAD University Conference as a guest of honor. The renowned event, which brings together experts from the higher education sector every year, took place in Kufstein for the first time this year and provided a platform for exchange on current developments in internationalization and science.
During the event, the Federal Minister presented this year's Internationalization Award. She then took advantage of her visit to tour the campus and get an impression of the facilities that characterize its practice-oriented teaching, research, and infrastructure.
During her visit, the Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research learned about the facilities that characterize the university's practice-oriented teaching, research, and infrastructure. The focus was particularly on innovative projects with which the university addresses current social and technological developments.
She was accompanied by a delegation from the university management and the board of FH Kufstein Tirol. The exchange also provided an opportunity to explore key topics in university development, from digitalization to internationalization.
INSIGHTS INTO MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
The minister was given a concise overview of the practical laboratories at Kufstein University. The focus was on the Makers Lab, which serves as a central workshop for prototyping and applied product development. Here, Markus Ehrlenbach, MSc - university lecturer for design and additive manufacturing as well as laboratory manager - impressively demonstrated how students can use state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital manufacturing techniques to create their own models, prototypes, and small series.
Laboratory manager Markus Ehrlenbach, MSc, presents Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BSc, with personalized gifts made in the Makers Lab.
As a demonstration, Ehrlenbach used the laser cutter to create personalized gifts for the federal minister and her entourage, including a water bottle engraved with her first name and a specially designed wooden pendant.
GREAT INTEREST IN KUBI – THE OPEN LIBRARY FOR EVERYONE
The minister showed great interest in kubi – the Kufstein Library for Science and Leisure, which was created from the merger of the municipal library and the university library and was deliberately designed to be open to the entire population. In conversation with Silke Lasta, library assistant at kubi, Holzleitner learned about the concept of the open library, current areas of focus, and the special significance of kubi as a low-threshold educational and meeting place for the region.
RECOGNITION FOR THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES KUFSTEIN TYROL
Eva-Maria Holzleitner was impressed by the combination of applied research and modern teaching: “The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol impressively demonstrates how modern teaching and applied research go hand in hand. Here, it becomes clear how universities can become drivers of innovation for the region, the economy, and society.”
HERE YOU CAN SEE HOW UNIVERSITIES ARE BECOMING DRIVERS OF INNOVATION FOR THE REGION, THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY.
Eva-Maria Holzleitner
Federal Minister
FH Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch emphasized the significance of the visit: “The presence of Federal Minister Holzleitner is a great honor for our university and our focus on research, digitization, and innovation.” He added: “The exchange with the Federal Minister underscores the importance of internationally oriented teaching and research. We are very pleased about the interest in our activities and developments.”
In conclusion, Holzleitner stated: “What I have seen today confirms that investments in education and research are investments in a strong, fair, and sustainable society. It is impressive how the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences consistently promotes innovation, digitalization, and internationalization.”
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