NEW RECTORATE ELECTED – CUAS APPOINTS NEW ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
With the election of Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle as Rector and Ulla Birnbacher as Deputy Academic Director, CUAS is entering a new chapter in the development of its teaching, research, and innovation activities. The new Rectorate will take office on 1 October 2026.
The Carinthian University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) elected the university’s new academic leadership during its meeting on 17 June 2026. Effective 1 October 2026, FH-Prof. MMag. Dr. Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle will take up the position of Rector. FH-Prof. Dr. Ulla Birnbacher, MSc, was elected Deputy Academic Director. Both will serve a four-year term.
A UNIVERSITY IN TRANSITION
The election comes at a pivotal moment in the university's development. Following its 30th anniversary, the appointment of a new CEO last year, and the ongoing transition to the CU – Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, the institution is poised for a period of dynamic growth and transformation. Strengthening its regional impact, expanding international partnerships, and advancing applied research will be key priorities in the years ahead.
The new Rectorate will play a central role in shaping the university's strategic direction, overseeing academic affairs, quality assurance, and the continued development of teaching, research, and lifelong learning opportunities.
“I am delighted by the trust placed in me by the University Council and view this election as a mandate to help shape the continued academic development of our university together with our colleagues. The CU – Carinthia University of Applied Sciences stands for a strong connection between practice-oriented teaching, applied research, and social responsibility. We intend to further strengthen these core strengths in the years ahead and position the university as a reliable partner for students, staff, industry, and society.”
— Rector-designate Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle
FOCUS ON TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND RESPONSIBILITY
Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle sees her new role as an opportunity to further strengthen the university's position as a trusted partner for students, staff, and industry. Her priorities include fostering the close connection between practice-oriented teaching, applied research, and societal engagement, while ensuring the institution remains strategically positioned for the future.
EXPERIENCED ACADEMICS AT THE HELM
Kathrin Stainer-Hämmerle and Ulla Birnbacher bring extensive academic and leadership experience to their new roles. Stainer-Hämmerle is Professor of Political Science and has led the Bachelor's programme in Public Management and the Master's programme in Public and Nonprofit Management since 2019.
Birnbacher is an expert in signal processing and telecommunications engineering. She currently heads the Green Transition Engineering programme, champions innovative teaching approaches and diversity initiatives, and serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & IT.
With its newly elected Rectorate, CUAS is reinforcing its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation while strengthening its role as one of Carinthia's leading institutions for higher education and applied research.
Technology Park Villach extends its sincere congratulations and looks forward to working with the new academic leadership.