The IAF – Functions and Aims
The interfaculty Institute of Applied Research – IAF – as a central academic institution undertakes certain functions for Pforzheim University, which are required in order to comply with its educational mission. The university prepares students for professional responsibilities through applied teaching and further education, which require the application of academic knowledge and methods or artistic design skills. Furthermore the university is required to spend time on applied research which is increasingly conducted in close cooperation with companies. Thus at the same time it makes an important contribution to regional and nationwide promotion of innovation.
Furthermore it is responsible for technology transfer, regional infrastructure operations, public relations for science as well as for research-related proposals in the field of continuing education. All of these responsibilities are extremely important corporately.
Application-oriented Research
The work of the Institute of Applied Research is contained in this field of activity:
The members of the IAF acquire research and development projects and carry them out. As a rule this is done with partners from industry, other universities or research institutes. Thereby through the support of the IAF the project leaders procure third-party project funding, develop and publish their work. More and more joint projects are being undertaken in which several universities and companies work together which naturally means an increased demand for coordination.
The Institute strives to develop the application and further development of academic methods and technologies and to acquire solutions to problems in cooperation with companies and external institutions.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Institute within Pforzheim University
The IAF is responsible for developing and coordinating research activities within Pforzheim University and for representing them externally. Within the University the IAF contributes to a research-friendly climate as professors, staff and also students have easy access to research and development projects.
Above all the Institute is at the students’ disposal to assist in the coordination of research-related internships and with final degree dissertations. Overall everyone benefits from the research activities conducted by the university lecturers as they are able to integrate their findings into their teaching thus providing students with up to date information about science, technology and design The IAF contributes towards interdisciplinary and national and international cooperation between scientists. Furthermore, it supports – as far as possible – the individual members of the IAF in the procurement of third party funding for projects and helps them – as far as possible – in the realization and coordination of research and development projects. Moreover the IAF maintains the University’s national and international competitiveness as the quality of education at Pforzheim University is improved through the scientific activities within the IAF.
Research Strategies The IAF advises the institutions of the University in research matters. Furthermore it regularly renders accounts of research activities at the University (eg in the annual IAF report) and prepares strategic planning.