Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg: Science in dialog

The initiative is based on a cooperation between the three Vorarlberg universities FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, the Vorarlberg University of Teacher Education and the Stella Vorarlberg Private University of Music.

Under the motto "Science and society in dialog - open, understandable, close", the series of events Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg will kick off on March 11 at the FHV. The topic for the premiere is "Digital care support for the home. Relief, orientation and trust in everyday care." Scientist Katrin Paldán will give an insight into her current research project TeleCareHub, a digital platform to support telecare. In a nutshell, this is a supplementary, location- and time-independent care and support service that primarily supports family caregivers at home in caring for people with dementia.

Vorarlberg as a science location

"A strong science location is not only created through buildings, but through cooperation. Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg shows how much expertise there is in our universities - and brings research openly, comprehensibly and close to the people. This cooperation strengthens the exchange between science and society and thus also the future opportunities of our state," emphasized State Councillor Barbara Schöbi-Fink.

Open to all

"The Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg initiative deliberately brings current topics from science, education, business and management and society to the regional public and makes them accessible to a wide audience. The series of events invites people to experience science as a lively, relevant and everyday dialog space. We are delighted that we are now able to implement another cooperation with the universities in Vorarlberg, similar to the proven format of the children's university," emphasized FHV Rector Regine Kadgien. A special highlight: all events will be offered in hybrid form, both on site at the universities and online, in order to provide access to as many people as possible.

The Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg events are free of charge and take place online between 12:00 and 13:00 and in rotation at a different university in Vorarlberg in person. All interested parties are invited to attend the lecture and subsequent discussion.

Comprehensible and practical

The aim of Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg is to present complex research results and socially relevant issues in a generally understandable and practical way, thus promoting the exchange between science and society. "Science unfolds its impact when it enters into dialog with society. Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg makes this dialog visible, accessible and lively," says Jörg Maria Ortwein, rector of Stella Vorarlberg Private University of Music. Each semester, Treffpunkt Hochschule invites students to three one-hour lectures followed by a discussion, each of which takes place at one of the participating universities. The topics are presented in a scientifically sound manner, but in a language that everyone can understand. "In the coming years, we would like to offer a varied and free program. Our researchers and practitioners are closely linked to social developments and address key issues of our time. As a university location in Vorarlberg, it is important to us to further strengthen the open exchange between science and society and to create a place for dialog, education and joint reflection on current future issues with the Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg format. We look forward to welcoming many visitors," invites Elisabeth Haas, rector of PH Vorarlberg.

The ongoing dates and registration links for the individual lectures will be published regularly on the website. Registration is requested: https://www.fhv.at/fh/die-fhv/treffpunkt-hochschule

Dates Treffpunkt Hochschule Vorarlberg
Summer semester 2026

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Digital care support for the home. Relief, orientation and trust in everyday care.
Dr. Katrin Paldán, FHV On site (FHV) and online

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 
What can music, movement and dance do for society? Findings on practical formats in the four-country region of Lake Constance.
Professor Dr. Sabine Schneider-Bink On site (Stella) and online

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 
The USA in a permanent election campaign. Politics, power and the 2026 midterms.
Prof.in Dr.in Ingrid Gessner, PH Vorarlberg On site (PH Vorarlberg) and online