CIRAC in context

For several years, the University of Graz has been internationally recognized as one of the most important Austrian expert organizations in the field of cultural research on aging and care. The University of Graz addresses this complex topic on a structural level. For example, the following strategic steps have been implemented:

• In November 2022, Ulla Kriebernegg was appointed Professor in in cultural aging and care research.
• In spring 2019, the inter-university "Age and Care Research Group Graz" was founded on the initiative of Ulla Kriebernegg - a research cluster that enables multi- and interdisciplinary cooperation between the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, MedUni Graz, Graz University of Technology and the University of Graz.
• Interdisciplinary public health and care research as well as end-of-life care has been established since 2018 with the Public Care work area (Head: Klaus Wegleitner).
• The cluster "Aging, Demography and Care" is actively working on social and cultural issues as part of the research network "Heterogeneity and Cohesion".
• The Center for Knowledge and Innovation Transfer (ZWI) is developing the university subject area "Modern Aging and Demographic Change".
• The European Network in Aging Studies (ENAS) has been based at the University of Graz since it was founded as an association in 2013.

The establishment of the first and so far only Austrian Center for Interdisciplinary Aging and Care Research at the University of Graz in 2020 can be seen as a logical continuation of the positive strategic developments that have been taking place for several years.

In addition to intensifying international research cooperation, the establishment of the center strengthens the position of the University of Graz in the management of the inter-university Age and Care Research Group Graz and in the expansion of networking with society and politics at regional level ("third mission") such as the City of Graz, the Province of Styria and other stakeholders.