The conferment of functional and honorary titles is one of the highlights of the academic year at IMC Krems. This year, 15 individuals were recognised.
News
Ceremonial recognition of teaching and research staff
IMC Krems, with CEO Ulrike Prommer, Academic Head Martin Waiguny, CEO Udo Brändle and Deputy Academic Head Manfred Pferzinger, hosted the academic ceremony for the conferment of functional and honorary titles on 4 July 2025. This celebration recognises outstanding achievements in teaching and research.
Spotlight on teaching and research
“The conferment of functional and honorary titles is a demonstration and lived expression of appreciation for the exceptional achievements of our teaching and research staff. Through their extraordinary dedication, they shape the position and academic profile of our university,” said CEO Ulrike Prommer, delighted with the long list of awards presented on the Krems campus.
Academic Head Martin Waiguny also sees the awarding of titles as “proof of the excellence of our teaching and research” and added: “This strengthens one of the pillars of IMC Krems’ success – our lecturers – thereby fulfilling our educational mission. The titles are visible signs of these achievements.”
The following teaching and research staff were honoured:
Honorary Titles
Honorary Title: Fellow of IMC Krems
The honorary title Fellow of IMC Krems is awarded to individuals who support the development and/or establishment and coordination and/or further advancement of the bachelor degree programme and research areas at IMC Krems. The title was awarded to:
DI Mag. Dr. Thomas Steindl
Honorary Title: Honorary Professor
Holders of the honorary title Honorary Professor (FH) are actively involved in teaching and/or research in a bachelor degree programme or master degree programme at IMC Krems. The title was awarded to:
Mag. Dr. Roland Barth
RA Mag. Dr. Christian Gepart
Mag.(FH) Petra Heidler, PhD, MBA, MSc, BEd.
Mag. Dr. Jane Hofbauer, LL.M.
Jasmine Kotek, MA
FH-Prof. Dr.habil Barbara Neuhofer, MA, PhD, PGCert
Functional Titles
The academic functional titles used at IMC Krems follow national and international higher education standards. These are categorised as “University of Applied Sciences Professor” (Fachhochschulprofessorin/Fachhochschulprofessor) and “Associate University of Applied Sciences Professor” (Assoziierte Fachhochschulprofessorin/Assoziierter Fachhochschulprofessor).
Functional Title: University of Applied Sciences Professor
Applicants for the functional title University of Applied Sciences Professor must meet formal and quality criteria based on demonstrated capability in academic work and research, or in conducting research projects aligned with the strategic development of IMC Krems' research areas. Additional criteria include proven teaching performance (both pedagogical and subject-specific).
Key criteria (excerpt):
Publications:
Must have actively produced at least five intellectual contributions (e.g. journal articles, trade publications, book chapters, monographs, conference papers) in the past five years, including at least two in peer-reviewed journals and at least three reviewed through peer or editorial review (e.g. conferences, edited volumes).
Research projects:
Participation in third-party funded research proposals and at least 200 actual project hours on such projects over the past five years.
The same formal and quality criteria apply for the title Associate University of Applied Sciences Professor, with the exception of publication requirements: at least three peer-reviewed publications within the last five years.
Only full-time members of the teaching and research staff are eligible to bear the title University of Applied Sciences Professor. The title was awarded to:
Dr. Himanshu Buckchash, M.A. (Assoziierter Fachhochschulprofessor)
Mag. Dr. Šehad Draganović
Dr. Wolfgang Lackenbauer, MManip Th
Jette Lange, PhD
Dipl-Ing. Dr.techn. Sarita Paudel
Dipl.-Verwaltungsw.(FH) Sylvia Rohlfer, PhD
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Yolanda Salinas Soler
Dr. Tingting Yuan
Functional and Honorary Titles at IMC Krems
The Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences Act (FHStG) defines which functional and honorary titles may be awarded. These are not professional titles. The criteria for conferment are established in the statute of the Academic Board, which decides on the awarding of titles jointly with the executive management. The criteria relate to teaching and research, as well as didactic training and outstanding commitment to the advancement of degree programmes. Honorary titles are awarded for life, while functional titles are valid for the duration of the function being performed.