A new project within DCNA started in late April 2026: TOPOKAT aims to systematically map, model, visualize, and analyze the research and (higher) education landscape in the field of crisis and disaster research in Austria. A comprehensive overview of this kind is currently not available. In addition to analyzing actors, collaborations, and research topics, the project also surveys post-secondary and practice-oriented educational programs.
TOPOKAT, thus, provides the necessary foundation to
- sharpen the contours of the research and (higher) education landscape in Austria, identify unique features and development perspectives, and position them within the European context,
- capture the current state and dynamic development of the research and (higher) education landscape and identify thematic and structural trends,
- understand typical and specific challenges faced by stakeholders as well as potential imbalances,
- and, based on this, derive action needs and policy implications for research and (higher) education, thereby providing strategic impulses for the further development of the field, strengthening the integration of knowledge production and transfer, and enhancing Austria’s position as a hub for science and innovation.
Within the project, DCNA is responsible for overall coordination and management, as well as for tasks related to data collection and analysis (survey, statistical analysis, network analysis) and the preparation and implementation of discussion events. DCNA also leads the project’s dissemination and external communication efforts.
Other project partners:
- Federal Ministry of the Interior
- webLyzard technology gmbH
- Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research
The project is financed through the KIRAS funding program of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and administered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
The kickoff meeting took place online on April 24, 2026.
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