Science and Innovation

Knowledge creates

value PREFACE

“If the CDG didn’t exist, we’d have to create it.” A strong basis: science and

innovation In recent years I have heard this statement or similar ones New knowledge and many times from stakeholders in academia and business. The CDG has firmly cemented its place in the range of innovation with the funding organizations in Austria and innovative companies have a policy of using and developing the funding schemes Christian Doppler open to them as members of the CDG: Christian Doppler Particularly in times of crisis – such as the current corona Laboratories and Josef Ressel Centres. The importance pandemic – we realise how much our society depends on of excellent research units and innovative companies is Research Association science and innovation. We trust the innovative capacity of particularly clear in times of crisis, such as Covid-19, and our companies and build on the knowledge and ability of our even more so in the periods of recovery afterwards. scientists. It is good that both of these groups have a solid basis in Austria. The benchmark figures on page 13 summarize the CDG’s strengths in application-oriented basis research in a single The Christian Doppler Research Association (CDG) is making image. The CDG’s basic research has a high impact and a an important contribution by supporting our two sources very high proportion of its publications come from scientists of hope for the future: high-quality scientific research and working at companies together with their colleagues at innovative companies. institutes of higher education. The CDG’s performance in innovation is also first-rate, as shown by the number of It is no coincidence that the CDG’s funding scheme is widely times publications from CD Laboratories and JR Centres are accepted as a best practice for the collaboration of science cited in patents. I am absolutely certain that these indicators and business and as a flagship project for research relevant of performance are fully in accord with the strategic goals to the location. By supporting the CDG’s research units we of our stakeholders and shareholders and clearly show the enable first-rate research at the cutting edge that is quick to importance of our contribution to science take up topics that will be important in the future. Without and innovation in Austria. any thematic restrictions from policy makers, digitalization has spread widely through the CDG and strong research is also being undertaken in life sciences and medicine. Other areas, such as materials research or logistics, may be less visible at the moment but here too CD Laboratories and JR Centres are making progress and helping to strengthen the resilience of our companies and our society. Univ.Prof. DI Dr Dr.h.c.mult. Dr Margarete Schramböck Martin Gerzabek CD Laboratories and JR Centres are funding programmes Funding from the public purse also comes from the Austrian National Foundation Austrian Federal Minister for Digital President of the Christian Doppler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs for Research, Technology and Development and Economic Affairs Research Association KNOWLEDGE CREATES VALUE

Excellent science From 1995 the Christian Doppler Organizational structure Why the CDG? Application-oriented Research Association has been Innovation promoting the collaboration Strong location between innovative companies Assembly of Members and outstanding scientists at · formulates the Association’s statutes universities and, from 2012, at · approves the accounts universities of higher education. · appoints the Executive Board Long-term financing of high-quality, application-oriented basic research Its funding scheme is internationally Scientific Board · shapes the scientific recognized as the best practice for framework promoting such collaborations. GENERAL · examines applications ASSEMBLY for research units New questions and fresh · evaluates the progress of research perspectives for science SCIENTIFIC starting from a company’s needs BOARD

Benefits for all EXECUTIVE Strategic and Innovation and long-lasting STRATEGIC

thanks to the BOARD decision-making body

competitive advantage for ADVISORY collaboration between companies BOARD · guides the Association · takes all decisions relating to business and science research units and companies · appoints the Scientific Board

Solutions to questions relevant to society GENERAL e.g. digitalization and climate-friendly The CDG’s office SECRETARIAT technologies · implements the decisions of the Partners and organization Executive Board The Christian Doppler Research Association is a non-profit · administers all aspects of funding organization and administers funding on behalf of the Austrian · informs and advises researchers, Strengthening of Austria as a location government. Both companies and research institutes have companies and bodies as well as the for business and for science important roles. Companies are members of the CDG agencies of the public purse and thus they essentially comprise the Association. In the General Assembly they formulate the Association’s statues and Advisory Board on strategic matters International networking appoint the Executive Board, which represents the CDG’s · advises the Executive Board on strategic matters because an attractive location attracts international strategic and decision-making body. The scientific excellence is · supports the CDG’s positioning companies as well as excellent scientists. guaranteed by the CDG’s Scientific Board, which coordinates international peer reviews and evaluations.

2 3 THE CDG’S FUNDING PROGRAMMES

The CDG’s Breeding ground funding model for innovation Long-term collaborations between science and business represent the basis for leadership in innovation. The Christian Doppler Research Association can look back on twenty- UNIVERSITIES COMPANY PARTNERS five years of experience and creates a UNIVERSITIES OF · need research on a particular issue and APPLIED SCIENCES have relevant knowledge stable environment: quality assurance RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS · make a financial contribution by an internationally recognized · provide the necessary scientific · generate long-term competitive environment advantages by means of new knowledge evaluation procedure, flexibility in · make basic infrastructure available CD LABORATORY/ and innovation JR CENTRE research and security for all those · benefit thanks to excellence, publications and promotion of · performs excellent, application- involved thanks to a clear legal early-stage researchers oriented basic research framework. · generates new knowledge · works closely together with the company partners

PUBLIC PURSE CHRISTIAN DOPPLER · creates the appropriate political RESEARCH ASSOCIATION framework · enables the collaboration between The Christian Doppler Research Association enables The CDG’s basic principles have applied to all research · provides funding science and business long-lasting collaborations between science and business: units since 1995: · strengthens Austria as a location for · ensures the quality of the research business and science · accompanies the research unit Christian Doppler Laboratories (CD Labs) carry out The research programme is based on company problems throughout the entire process application-oriented basic research at universities and (bottom-up). non-university research institutes. · provides security for all participants The research groups are embedded in their scientific thanks to the stable, tried and tested Josef Ressel Centres (JR Centres) perform a similar type of environment. structure research at universities of applied sciences. The researchers are guaranteed scientific freedom. The results include high-quality publications, patents and innovations.

4 5 KEY FIGURES AND FAQ

50% of the 50% of the eligible costs Highly qualified 2 years introductory phase eligible costs With participation of scientists at 3 years first extension phase With participation SMEs 40% (in proportion 2 years second extension phase universities or Application- of SMEs 60% to their involvement) non-university oriented basic Ca. 30% (in proportion to No in-kind contributions CD Laboratories research institutions 7 years EUR 140,000 EUR 750,000 EUR 5.25 Mio. research (basic research) None their involvement) considered

Proportion of Proportion of Who can submit Min. annual Max. annual Maximum budget Nature of Support from Private support Duration scientific experimental an application? budget budget for total duration research public purse (company partners) freedom development

Highly qualified 5 years EUR 90,000 EUR 430,000 EUR 2.15 Mio. Application- Ca. 20% None 50% of the 50% of the scientists at oriented (build-up of skills) eligible costs eligible costs JR Centres 2 years introductory phase universities of research With participation With participation of 3 years extension phase applied sciences of SMEs 60% SMEs 40% (in proportion (in proportion to to their involvement) their involvement) No in-kind contributions considered

5.25

Research topic and scientific freedom Costs and legal conditions Inventions and intellectual property Scientific excellence A Christian Doppler Laboratory or a Josef Ressel Centre Each of the CDG’s research groups has a total budget of up The exclusive rights to inventions or results that can be Christian Doppler Laboratories and Josef Ressel Centres focuses on a topic from a company, which is addressed to 5.25 million Euro, with an annual budget of up to 750,000 protected and that arise from a Christian Doppler Laboratory are locations of scientific excellence and are reviewed and by outstanding scientists. To enable an in-depth approach Euro. The public purse covers 50% of this amount, increasing or a Josef Ressel Centre are transferred from the university evaluated by international peer review procedures based on to the research questions, the scientists are guaranteed to 60% if SMEs are participating. The rest of the budget or the university of applied sciences to the company if the criteria of scientific excellence. The demanding procedure scientific freedom in the use of 30% (20% for JR Centres) comes from the membership fees paid to the CDG by the they relate to the specific area of the company’s business for approval is followed by a stop/go evaluation after two of the resources – the ideal conditions for excellent scientific collaborating companies. Contract research is not eligible for that has been agreed upon by the company and the host years and for CD Laboratories after five years. High-ranking advances and radical innovations that go well beyond pure support. institute. Publications from the CDG’s research units are scientific publications are required for a positive evaluation developmental work in companies. disproportionately highly cited in patents. and are published with the agreement of the company (source: Elsevier SciVal) partners. The CDG’s research units produced more than 4,000 publications between 2008 and 2019, 39% of which appeared in TOP 10% journals. The 4,000 publications have attracted more than 77,000 citations. (source: Elsevier 2019*)

6 7 BOTTOM UP

Patents Strengthening of innovative The CD model: capacity and competitiveness Solutions to societal challenges Strong roots, many fruits Publications

Strengthening poss. phasing-out period of the location to complete dissertations, max. 1 year

New products Conclusion Strengthening and final report 7 years of science in Austria Two essential conditions must be met Evaluation after five years of research at the start of a CD Laboratory or JR Centres 5 years Continuation only are established at universities of a JR Centre. A company must have Contributions to after a positive evaluation applied sciences. They run for sustainable development a concrete requirement to extend a period of five years; after two (UN Agenda 2030, SDGs) years they undergo a stop/go Unexpected its knowledge on a particular topic evaluation. Evaluation after results two years of research and a scientist must be interested Continuation only 2 years in undertaking basic research in this after a positive evaluation More efficient procedures application-oriented area. Start Time 0 of the research unit The partners then develop a joint Careers research programme and its fruits

include publications, patents and BMDW Approval careers. The CDG’s funding by the CDG model gives its research units a Executive Board Consideration by the CDG’s Scientific Board high degree of flexibility. International evaluation and hearing with the Scientific Board

Submission

New scientific questions can Application to approval: ca. 6 months lead to the establishment of application of a new CD Labortarory/ Universities and Joint research JR Centre universities of applied programme sciences provide an appropriate academic environment Research question Expertise of a scientist from a company

8 9 CDG IN FIGURES

Facts and 173 ACTIVE COMPANY MEMBERS In 2019, 173 companies participated figures in the CDG’s research units

DEVELOPMENT of the Active research Mill. Euro research Christian Doppler Research Association 106 units 2019 33 expenditure 2019

Active CD Laboratories Active JR Centres Mill. Euro Large companies Large companies in Austria abroad SMEs in Austria SMEs abroad 51 % 27 % 19 % 3 %

17.5 Life Sciences and 15 19 % Environment 14 % Materials 17 % Medicine

4 0.5

11 % Chemistry 8 % Mechanical 27 % Mathematics, 4 % Economics, Engineering and Computer Sciences, Law and Social Instrumentation Electronics Sciences Establishment of the CDG as an Association Start of JR Centres 5 20 65 91 THEMATIC CLUSTERS 1989 1995 1999 2009 2012 2019 of the research units in 2019

10 11 FACTS AND FIGURES

The CDG’s contributions to the 2019 106 UN sustainable development goals We hit our targets The entry points reach several of the UN sustainability goals thanks to synergies and multiplication effects. Almost all of the highest numbers of joint Patent relevance: 155 of 1,000 Publications of CD Laboratories CDG’s research units are making a contribution. publications between science and publications are cited in patents, and JR Centres are extremely highly business an internationally leading figure cited (field-weighted citation impact = 1.62, corresponds to the diameter of the circle) 18 % 16 % 3 % Sustainable and Energy Global environmental Joint PUBLICATIONS just economies decarbonisation commons Science and business and universal in % of all publications access

Food systems Urban and Science for CDG Human wellbeing and nutrition periurban sustainable and capabilities patterns development development 35 % 3 % 1 % 16 % 1.62

1.56 Austria

10 1.46 More than 1.23 USA 400 peer-reviewed EU Around publications in 2019 0.87 China 1250 presentations Austrian universities with at scientific conferences in 2019, CD Laboratories including 283 invited lectures 1.59

An average of 0 50 100 150 PATENT RELEVANCE Number of publications cited in patents 13 patents granted per year (per 1,000 publications)

12 Data: 2009 –2018, Source: Elsevier 2019* 13 SUCCESS STORY Solar SynGas: Sustainable fuels are possible Oil, gas, coal: almost 80% of the energy Application-oriented basic research and innovation we use today comes from burning Basic research breaks new scientific ground fossil fuels. A Christian Doppler Laboratory and its results represent a knowledge CD Laboratory for Sustainable is paving the way for climate-neutral fuels advantage that can be decisive in competition Syngas Chemistry with other firms. Unexpected results from based on the example of photosynthesis. basic research may play an important part. Head As an example, patented catalysts for the Prof. Erwin Reisner; University of Cambridge solar-powered conversion of organic and Operation plastic waste into basic chemicals for the 01.04.2012 – 31.03.2019 petrochemical industry were a “by-product” of the research in the CD Laboratory. They Commercial partner can facilitate waste reduction and enable new OMV AG products to be made with the release of

Thematic Cluster much less CO2 than at present. Chemistry

The topic the necessary energy comes from the sun. Chlorophyll has an essential photosynthetic enzymes and was then able to synthesize cheap and Visions for science and the economy When asked about sustainable energy, many people first think of role in absorbing light, enzymes enable and promote the reaction and stable molecules with comparable properties. The research is still in its infancy. The windmills and solar cells, in other words of electricity. But it is also the correct spatial organization is important. The CD Laboratory for The second key question related to the materials that absorb sunlight prototype is small and expensive, it has only a possible to produce fuels in a climate-neutral way. The way plants carry Sustainable Syngas Chemistry took this process as its model. Of course, and the surfaces on which the catalysts should be arranged. short operation time and does not use solar out photosynthesis provides a good model: with the help of sunlight, the Lab aimed to produce not sugar but synthetic gas, or syngas for energy very efficiently. Whether and when sustainable syngas can be produced from CO2 and water – and short. This mixture of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) is Results: yes we can genuine alternatives to fossil fuels can be subsequently converted to all of the products that normally come from currently produced in megaton quantities from fossil fuels and forms After seven years of work in the CD Laboratory, Prof. Reisner and produced will depend to a large extent on the crude oil. Burning the fuels releases no more CO2 than the amount the starting material for numerous products of the petrochemical his team were able to show that the idea really works. There is a political will and the engagement of countries that was bound when they were produced. The fuels could be used industry. If syngas could be generated sustainably along the lines of prototype in Cambridge that can be described as an “artificial leaf”. It and companies, as Reisner is keen to stress. with existing systems (cars, airplanes, heating equipment), which as a photosynthesis, it could be used to produce a sustainable fuel. is a few millimetres thick, several square centimetres big, made up of However, if the appropriate efforts are made, result would no longer damage the climate. numerous layers and completely immersed in water. When exposed it should be possible to move from fossil fuels The work of the CD Laboratory to sunlight at room temperature it makes syngas from water and CO2, to sustainable fuels by 2050. The research question The scientists in the CD Laboratory for Syngas Chemistry were with oxygen as a by-product. Another important outcome of the CD

The biochemistry of photosynthesis has been well studied. CO2 and faced with two major challenges. Which materials would make Laboratory are new catalysts to convert organic and plastic waste for water are used to produce sugar, with oxygen as a by-product – and suitable catalysts? The group undertook a very detailed study of the use by the petrochemical industry.

success story from January 2020, text slightly shortened 14 Photo: Virgil Andrei 15 SUCCESS STORY Where humans and technology meet

The development of thought-controlled Scientific challenge prostheses needs not only technical The comprehensive care of patients with prostheses requires an interdisciplinary perfection but also medical expertise. approach. The necessary knowledge ranges CD Laboratory for Restoration The remaining nerves and muscles must from the underlying anatomy and neurology of Extremity Function through operational methods and robotics be connected so their signals can be to appropriate concepts for rehabilitation. Head used by high-tech prostheses. The first anatomists examined the position Univ.Prof. Dr. Oskar Christian Aszmann of the nerves in the arm as far as possible by Operation means of dissection but modern anatomical 01.01.2012 – 31.12.2018 and neurobiological research is also based on histological staining and new methods in Commercial partner immunohistology. As an example, a method Otto Bock Healthcare Products GmbH developed in the CD Laboratory has enabled Thematic Cluster motor and sensory nerves to be distinguished Medicin from one another.

Added value for the company The topic stimulation of the nerve and transmit it to the prosthesis? And how USA. In the meantime, a large-scale research network has grown up Highly developed modern prostheses can perform a wide range of can the brain pick up signals that come back from the prosthesis, around the CD Laboratory and the company partner is fully integrated The method of selective nerve transfer into movements. But despite considerable technological progress, it is for example relating to how tightly an object is being held (feedback in it. other muscles has been refined and patients still vital that the human can control the prosthesis. From the start of function)? can now benefit from it as a standard of care, the millennium the connection between human and prosthesis has Results not only in the Vienna General Hospital. New been based on TMR operations (targeted muscle reinnervation): the Collaboration in the CD Laboratory The CD Laboratory and its network has produced extensive new rehabilitation concepts for TMR prostheses nerves that transferred signals to the natural arm are connected to Further development of the method requires close collaboration knowledge on the position and function of the nerves that control arm have been developed and are on the market the remaining muscles at the site of the amputation. The prosthesis between prosthesis manufacturers and medical research: biological movements. Ottobock is now able to offer prostheses that are highly and initial solutions to the problems of better can recognize activation of the muscles and use the signals to perform signals from nerves and muscles must be found and made useful. controllable when connected to a TMR operation, able for example pattern recognition will be marketed in 2019. appropriate movements. This makes operation of the prosthesis more The prosthesis must pick up the biosignals in an appropriate way and to recognize several signals to determine which precise movement to The first steps towards prod ucts with an intuitive – the nerves for hand movements stay the same. there is a need for new rehabilitation concepts to enable the patients perform. New knowledge on the direction of stimulus transfer in the improved feedback function have been taken to use the full capabilities of their prostheses. In Prof. Aszmann of nerves is enabling fresh approaches to the feedback function. A large and two patents have been registered. The research question: nerve transfer for intuitive control the Department of Plastic and Reconstitutive Surgery at the Medical number of publications in top-quality journals attest to the success of Putting this into practice requires wide-ranging and highly specialized University of Vienna, Ottobock has an ideal partner with extensive the CD Laboratory, which was also recognized by the EU’s award of medical knowledge. Where exactly do the nerve tracts run – and scientific expertise. In 2006 he became the first person – even then an ERC Synergy Grant to Prof. Aszmann in 2018. in which direction? And where are the muscles that can pick up the with the support of Ottobock – to perform the operation outside the

success story from April 2020, text slightly shortened 16 Photo: © Ottobock 17 FROM COMPANIES AND FROM SCIENTISTS Statements

“Christian Doppler Laboratories enable “Collaboration of companies with excellent basic science, celebrate success science is difficult. The CDG creates the ideal in the scientific community and transfer “JR Centres make the expertise in applied conditions for it: outstanding quality thanks knowledge and know-how to society research at universities of applied sciences to a proven system for evaluation, security “The collaboration between science and business and business. A win-win situation for all and their scientists available to business. thanks to a clear legal structure and brings lasting competitive advantages for all who who are involved.” The companies profit from their excellence, the guarantee of flexibility.” are involved. Austria can be proud to have the as do the regions and of course our research CDG and its internationally recognized best Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Dr.-Ing. h.c. Sabine Seidler Dr Franz Androsch Chair of the Austrian Universities Conference and Rector and students.” Head of Research at voestalpine AG and practice of this important type of collaboration.” of the Vienna University of Technology First Vice-President of the CDG Mag. Raimung Ribitsch Dr Maria Theresia Niss President of the Austrian Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences Strategic Advisory Board of the CDG and Delegate to the National and Manager of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences Advisory Board, Chair of Mitterbauer Beteiligungs AG

“International referees and a Scientific Board “Excellent research that is relevant to the made up of top-ranking scientists. It is a location and directed to the needs of the real honour for scientists to satisfy participating companies: this is what creates our review process and be able to head “New knowledge creates long-lasting competitive the jobs of tomorrow. The CDG and its “Autonomy, self-criticism and continuous a CD Laboratory or a JR Centre.” advantages. By collaborating with universities research units are enabling the build-up improvement: this maxim is making the CDG and universities of applied sciences, companies of value chains that are strengthening an important pillar in a coherent innovation Prof. DI Dr. Dr.h.c. Hans Irschik system that is based on the experience and Chair of the CDG’s Scientific Board are investing not only in their own future but Austria as a location for business.” also in society.” knowledge of companies and scientists.” Mag. Florian Frauscher Philipp von Lattorff Head of Section II Business Location, Innovation and Dr Ulrike Unterer Strategic Advisory Board of the CDG, Chair of the Area Research, Internationalization in the BMDW Vice-President of the CDG and Technology and Innovation in the Industrialists’ Association, Vienna, Department Hard of Key Technologies in the BMDW Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG

18 19 IMPRINT

Publisher Christian Doppler Research Association (CDG) Boltzmanngasse 20/1/3, 1090 Vienna Phone +43 1 5042205 [email protected] www.cdg.ac.at

Responsible for the contents Dr Jürgen Pripfl, Secretary General

Conception and editing Mag. Christiana Griesbeck

Art Direction & Design Alexandra Reidinger Grafik Design

English translation Dr Graham Tebb

Photos p. 3: BMDW/Christian Lendl (left), Alice Schnür-Wala (right) p. 18 left-right: Montanuniversität Leoben / Chair of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy, Kratochwill, Ferreira, Medical University of Innsbruck p. 19 left-right: Borealis, Horauer, Kristl, Seibt & Co GmbH/ Lichtmeister, FH OÖ Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH

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Vienna, July 2020