Research
Research Approach of PH Wien
Research at the University College of Teacher Education Vienna (PH Wien) is based on the professional field of educators and, in line with the university’s guidelines and focus areas, explores a wide range of new questions.
PH Wien’s research approach is guided by societal needs for a contemporary and sustainable education and training of young people. In this sense, research ensures the quality and relevance of learning by integrating current knowledge from an ever-evolving knowledge society into education.
PH Wien initiates, coordinates, supports, and implements scientifically and professionally oriented research within relevant contexts, aligning with the university’s Urban Diversity Education vision. Through research-based, practice-oriented teaching and learning, personality-centered professional education, and sustainable internationalization, current educationally relevant questions are addressed and examined. The findings are reintegrated into dynamic cycles of teaching, research, and development, fostering innovative and demand-driven educational programs. A key priority is the practical applicability of research outcomes in educational practice. Core research topics include issues related to school-based teacher training, aiming to link empirical research on professional realities with practical implementation. Additionally, research in subject didactics and academic disciplines critically and professionally analyzes recent scientific developments to ensure a coherent didactic-methodological transfer into practice.
Scientific, cultural, and societal developments continuously create new learning spaces and action fields for educators. PH Wien actively contributes to these developments through its research activities, initiating processes that help implement theoretical models and practical concepts into teaching, ultimately driving school and higher education development. Trans-sectoral collaborations—such as joint research projects, publications, and formal/informal exchanges—with national and international institutions play a crucial role in fostering PH Wien’s academic establishment within the scientific community and promoting a continuous, critical-reflective scholarly discourse.
Research Strategy of PH Wien
The strategic direction of research at PH Wien is shaped by three key factors. First, PH Wien must comply with the guidelines set by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF), as outlined in the Target and Performance Plan (ZLP) and reported through monitoring obligations. Second, calls for proposals from major funding programs (e.g., FWF, Horizon, Sparkling Science) serve as benchmarks for national and international research and development needs. The rigorous application and evaluation processes of these programs reflect an established internal quality culture that reinforces research innovation and impact.
The third pillar consists of the individual interests and expertise of the academic staff, providing research at PH Wien with flexibility and the freedom to explore new developments and priorities. This bottom-up approach allows for emerging, relevant topics—such as environmental education in the context of the climate crisis—to be addressed and established without having to wait for specific guidelines or funding opportunities.
PH Wien’s strategic vision for research is internationally oriented. The institution aims to actively participate in and contribute to the global scientific community through its expertise. The development of research priorities and specialized knowledge in various educational and pedagogical fields is intended to enhance its recognition among peers and stakeholders. This recognition is reflected in the number and nature of research inquiries directed at PH Wien’s scholars, as well as in publications and participation in collaborative research projects, further strengthening the institution’s academic reputation.
Research Priorities
Research at PH Wien is guided by its strategic framework and overarching educational priorities. Thematic focus areas include education in urban spaces, political education, diversity, inclusion, multilingualism, digitalization, and educational equity.
A key mission of PH Wien is to develop fundamental and applied knowledge in these fields through an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research cycle. Special emphasis is placed on anticipating educationally and culturally relevant research topics and strengthening related academic and professional networks.
A close integration of research-oriented teaching, research projects, and evidence-based support and consultancy for school development processes is a central objective aligned with PH Wien’s profile and development strategy.
Directory of Research Priorities
- Evidence-based school development, educational management/leadership, and pedagogical-practical studies
- Education in urban spaces, political education, diversity, inclusion, multilingualism
- Digital competencies, text and information literacy
- Subject didactics, inquiry-based and exploratory learning, “learning spaces”
- Subject didactics in vocational education
Research Projects
The University College of Teacher Education Vienna (PH Wien) conducts a wide range of research and school development projects, integrating their findings into the initial, in-service, and continuing education of teachers. A key priority is participation in research-related funding programs from federal ministries (Sparkling Science, Talente regional, IMST, etc.) as well as international research funding initiatives (ESF, Erasmus+, H2020, etc.).
