Unleashing Ideas in Research (CS)

No Prerequisites. 

Time slot: 23 April to 2 July 2026, on Thursdays from 6 pm

Combination of self-study (blended learning 53%) and classroom teaching (47%)

Course language: English 

Course occupancy: Minimum 9 persons / Maximum 21 persons

Course costs: None

Sustainability: SDG 4 - Quality education and SDG 9 - Innovation and Infrastructure and depending on the task, additional SDGs such as SDG 13 - Research into environmentally friendly solutions and emission reduction, SDG 3 - Innovation in healthcare and SDG 12 - Promoting a circular economy and sustainable production methods are addressed. 

FHV Future Skills: Foster Critical Thinking, Appropriate Application, Develop Digital Literacy, Encourage Collaboration & Cooperation

Registration: From 15-25 November 2025 in A5 under ‘Course selection’. If a late booking is required, please contact sabine.frick@fhv.at

• Difference between idea and innovation
• Theory of idea generation (different creativity techniques)
• Application of different creativity techniques for idea generation in research
• Theory Design thinking approach for innovations
• Theory Evaluation options
• Application of the evaluation technique to the ideas generated
• Scientific research (support using suitable AI tools)
• Creation of a prototype
• Follow-up presentation (pitch) 

• Understanding and applying creativity techniques: Students will understand and apply various creativity techniques
• Fostering creative thinking: Students learn to overcome creative blocks and find unconventional solutions that advance research.
• Methods for evaluating ideas: Students can apply various evaluation methods to evaluate the quality and viability of research ideas.
• Introduction to scientific research (AI tools): Students will gain an understanding of scholarly inquiry, including the use of AI tools for literature searching and text analysis.
• Integration of AI in idea development: Students learn how AI technologies such as ChatGPT or specialized software can support idea generation, refinement and evaluation in research.
• Collaboration and discussion: Students will foster their teamwork and discussion skills by collaboratively developing research ideas and creatively solving problems through group work. Collaboration is also encouraged through the joint creation of a prototype.
• Presentation of research results: Students will be able to present their developed ideas and concepts clearly and convincingly.

Short lectures on theory followed by practical application of what has been learned

Final presentation with short report

Blended learning is implemented in the course (54%) by combining a high degree of flexibility and interactive elements with face-to-face teaching. The asynchronous learning phases consist of interactive tasks (application of creativity techniques) that learners can work on flexibly. Face-to-face sessions are used for initial information (theory), clarification of questions and consolidation of content. This hybrid structure promotes the self-directed acquisition of knowledge and enables individual adaptation of the learning pace within the team.

The course teaches “future skills” that are crucial for success in an increasingly digital and networked world. These include critical thinking, problem-solving skills, digital skills in the area of research and collaborative skills. Using blended learning and asynchronous teaching units, students are enabled to work independently, use new technologies and work in interdisciplinary teams. This prepares them for the challenges of the future and promotes their adaptability to constantly changing labor markets.

Innovation and research play a central role in achieving the SDGs as they offer new solutions to existing and emerging challenges.

For further questions please contact stefan.partel@fhv.at 

None

Combination of classroom teaching and self-study (blended learning share 53%); primarily interactive form of learning