AI, scientific computing & digital transformation
Artificial intelligence, scientific computing and digital transformation are impacting research, teaching and everyday university life in many ways. With its strategic priority Digital and Data-Driven Transformations of Science and Society, the University of Vienna is consolidating and strengthening its activities in these areas key for the future. The University researches technological developments and their impact on science and society, teaches competences relevant to the future, and creates high-performance infrastructures for data-intensive academic research. At the same time, it is constantly developing the digital infrastructure required for modern studies, teaching, research and work.
Highlights
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Putting AI ideas into practice
The AI Factory Austria brings together research, businesses, public sector organisations and powerful AI infrastructure.
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Computing power for research and innovation
The MUSICA supercomputer provides high-performance computing capacity linked across several sites in Austria.
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Using AI in academic research
u:ai brings AI tools to research, study and teaching that conform to data protection regulations.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a key area for the future in research and innovation. Researchers are investigating how AI methods can be used in various academic fields – for example, when it comes to analysing big data, complex texts and images or for modelling interdependencies. At the same time, they are investigating the social, ethical and legal implications of this technology. Collaboration across different disciplines helps to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed in a transparent, reliable and responsible manner, thereby harnessing its potential for academia and society.
Research into digital society and data science
Researchers at the University of Vienna are developing methods to analyse large and complex datasets, whilst also investigating how digital technologies are transforming academia, knowledge and society – for example, political debates, the formation of public opinion and the way academic findings are handled. As part of the Research Network Data Science, the Knowledge in Crisis Cluster of Excellence, as well as international networks and European projects, they are working on issues relating to data analysis, digital knowledge production and processes of social transformation.
Research infrastructure and scientific computing
High-performance research infrastructures enable researchers at the University of Vienna to process large volumes of data, run complex models and tackle data-intensive academic problems. Scientific computing combines modern computational methods with research across a wide range of disciplines. As a partner in the Austrian Scientific Computing (ASC) consortium, the University of Vienna is involved in the joint provision of high-performance computing infrastructure for the Austrian research community. This also includes the MUSICA supercomputer, which is located at several sites across Austria.
AI and digital competences in studies and teaching
Students learn to help shape the digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in an informed, critical and responsible manner. Degree programmes such as Data Science, Digital Humanities, Computational Science, Mathematical Foundations of Data Science and Spatial Data Science provide the academic and practical competences required for this. At the same time, AI and digital methods are also being integrated into numerous other degree programmes. Teaching staff are supported in using digital technologies and AI in their courses in a way that is pedagogically effective. With u:ai, students and staff also have access to AI software that has been developed specifically for the academic environment and complies with data protection regulations.
Digital transformation of processes and services
Digital services and internal processes are continually being developed to provide the best possible support for studying, teaching, research and work. These include digital platforms for studying and teaching, services for researchers, research data management, digital administrative services, and the modernisation of HR and finance processes. A powerful IT infrastructure and the ongoing development of IT security and digital accessibility lay the foundations for secure and equal access to the University’s digital services.
From research to societal impact
The University of Vienna fosters the exchange of knowledge, research findings and technological innovations with the business community, society and public institutions. Initiatives such as the Digital Innovation Lab and AI Factory Austria create spaces for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and developing new digital solutions. Furthermore, the University of Vienna supports researchers on their journey from research discovery to practical application and assists spin-offs that transform research findings into innovative products, services and business models.
What should we learn when everything is changing?
How are AI and digital transformation changing education and learning? In the semester question for the winter semester of 2025/2026, experts from the University of Vienna answered these questions from a variety of perspectives.
