Research Support Center
The Research Support Center (Zentrale Forschungsstelle – ZFS) is led by the Vice-Rector for Research and works closely with the faculties‘ Research Offices. Its aim is to provide coordinated support for research activities and to promote cross-faculty networking and the integration of research funding across all faculties. Regular team meetings between the Vice-Deans for Research and the Vice-Rector for Research contribute significantly to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration at SFU.
As a central coordination unit, the Research Support Center facilitates third-party funding acquisition and manages the university’s research portfolio. It acts as an interface between research institutions and funding bodies, providing researchers with access to valuable resources and expert knowledge. The Research Support Center actively fosters networking with national and international researchers and research institutions.
A key focus of the Research Support Center is capacity building across the university. Intensive engagement with funding bodies strengthens the university’s presence in the national and international project landscape. By regularly attending events organised by funding agencies such as FFG, OeAD, and FWF, as well as Horizon Europe briefings, the Research Support Center team collects and prepares information for researchers, helping them stay informed about current research policies and funding opportunities. Through targeted communication channels – including the Research Newsletter and the SFU Research Intranet – relevant information is delivered to researchers in a concise and accessible format.
The responsibilities of the Research Support Center
The responsibilities of the Research Support Center
- Advising on suitable funding programmes tailored to planned research projects,
- Supporting the preparation of grant applications, including guidance on funding opportunities, submission requirements, and legal aspects,
- Accompanying projects throughout their implementation, including project controlling und -reporting,
- Supporting the planning and execution of scientific events, symposia, and conferences to foster academic exchange,
- Initiating and implementing dissemination and publication strategies, as well as measures for public relations, science communication, and knowledge transfer in line with the Third Mission,
- Promoting international collaboration and networking by supporting submissions to international funding programmes,
- Implementing and maintaining the Research Information System (Pure) to document research activities, track projects and ensure transparency of results,
- Supporting early-career researchers through targeted programmes and mentoring initiatives,
- Developing and implementing measures to improve research reporting, ensuring complete and accurate documentation and reporting.
Contact:
Research Support Center
Sigmund Freud Private University
Freudplatz 3, Room 464-4
1020 Vienna
E-Mail: research@sfu.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 90500701699