As the world grapples with the mounting challenges of climate change, resource extraction, and social inequalities, architecture is advancing as an academic discipline.

In the past, PhDs in architecture were rare, but contemporary times are witnessing a scientific shift in architectural studies. This corresponds with a design turn in the social sciences. However, conceiving, structuring, and implementing a long-term research project poses significant challenges for every young scholar. Collaborating with peers provides an invaluable source of inspiration, helping to overcome obstacles, sustain the endurance needed for large projects, and enhance problem-solving skills by assisting others with their challenges.

For the first time, the architecture faculties of the Universität Liechtenstein and the Università della Svizzera Italiana have conducted a joint PhD spring workshop on April 19th and 20th in Vaduz. Ten young scholars engaged in various forms of discussion, writing, and exchange to develop their PhD theses. The workshop focused on familiarizing participants with each other’s topics and the common challenges faced during PhD studies. Key areas such as Methods & Methodology, Literature Review, and Text Structuring emerged as focal points, which will be explored in more detail during a forthcoming session in Ticino in early July. This workshop offers PhD candidates in architecture substantial time to articulate their projects and address challenges in collaboration with peers and under the guidance of young postdoctoral researchers.

Organizing and Teaching-Team

• Johannes Herburger, Uni Liechtenstein
• Mosè Cometta, USI
• Giulia Scotto, USI

For the eleventh year in a row, the BEST RECRUITERS study examined the recruiting processes of the 450 largest companies and institutions in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

On April 23, current trends were presented in Zurich and the country’s BEST RECRUITERS were honored. With outstanding results in all categories and 21st place in the overall ranking, Hilti AG won this year’s award for the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Among the approximately 150 guests at the Papiersaal in Zurich were representatives from human resources and top management of the largest employers in both countries, as well as scientific advisory board members Kuno Ledergerber, former head of the Center for Human Capital Management at ZHAW, and Marco Furtner, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of Liechtenstein.

Hilti AG – Best Liechtenstein Employer

Hilti AG ranked 21st in the overall ranking and thus 1st in the Principality of Liechtenstein, followed by thyssenkrupp Presta AG and Ivoclar Vivadent AG. Advisory board member Marco Furtner, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of Liechtenstein, commented: “Congratulations on Hilti AG’s excellent ranking. Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional support for talent relationship management. In terms of development and continuing education, Hilti also stands out with various measures and programs (e.g., e-learning, mentoring, leadership training).”

About BEST RECRUITERS

Since 2013, BEST RECRUITERS has annually assessed the recruiting quality of the largest companies in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein based on revenue and number of employees. The study was initiated in Austria in 2010, expanded to Germany in 2011, and to Switzerland and Liechtenstein in 2013.

The catalog of criteria is continuously updated and adapted to current developments in the HR field in collaboration with the scientific advisory board. The board includes Kuno Ledergerber, former head of the Center for Human Capital Management at ZHAW; Prof. Dr. Marco Furtner, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of Liechtenstein; Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Elšik, Deputy Head of the Institute for Human Resource Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business; and Prof. Dr. Silvia Ettl-Huber, Program Director and Head of the Department of Business at FH Burgenland.

Marie Scheuffele, Niels Fetkenheuer and Prof. Dr. Leo Brecht from the Chair of Technology and Innovation received the Dick Marsh Award for their conference paper "An Attempt at Data-Driven Validation of Early-Stage Technology Trends" at ISPIM Connects Porto Alegre in Brazil. The award recognizes the conference paper for best illustrating the influence of innovation management among all the research papers submitted.

The bibliometric analysis of scientific publications for the early identification of technology trends is an established method in foresight and trend research. Nevertheless, it is often criticized for not being able to assess the practical relevance of emerging trends or for neglecting to consider the potential success of their application. To compensate for this weakness and to qualitatively validate their quantitative results, trend researchers often rely on expert surveys.

The conference contribution of our researchers therefore developed and tested a novel approach for the data-based validation of the practical relevance of emerging technology trends and for the identification of early implementation efforts of technology-leading companies. For this purpose, the bibliometric analysis of scientific publications was combined with the analysis of online job advertisements in order to not only determine technological innovation fields on the basis of data, but also to be able to evaluate them.

Marie Scheuffele, research assistant and doctoral student at the Chair of Technology and Innovation, presented the research results on site in Brazil and represented the University of Liechtenstein at discussion rounds, research exchanges and networking events.

The exhibition "Ewaste Last and Treasure" showed the invisible bond between Liechtenstein and Ghana, which changes living spaces, social spaces and social structures through actions in this country. Curated by Alberto Alessi, the exhibition by the Liechtenstein School of Architecture was shown at the 18th Venice Biennale last year and can be seen at the Küefer-Martis-Huus in Ruggell from Tuesday, April 16 until May 5.

"There is no such thing as 'gone'. When we throw something away, it has to go somewhere," said US critic Annie Leonard, who is best known for her online documentary "The Story of Stuff" about the life cycle of goods and services. Mikel Martinez and Katrin Milanzi, together with Gabriela Dimitrova, explored precisely this "path" - as well as the path of electronic waste - and presented the results of their work around the former Agbogbloshie garbage dump in the capital Accra in Ghana.

Liechtenstein and Ghana are connected, even if this is unconscious on both sides. It is difficult to understand these connections, but the effects are visible on both sides. In Ghana, e-waste causes disease and poverty, but provides many people with a livelihood through the recovery of recyclable materials. In Liechtenstein, these recyclable materials have to be sourced again.

This topic is presented on two levels in the exhibition at the Küefer-Martis-Haus in Ruggell - a physical and haptic one and a virtual one. Both levels are linked together using tablets and are interactive for the viewer. Various statistics and topics on Liechtenstein and Ghana can be called up at will.

Exhibition opening

Manuel Frick, Minister for Society and Culture in the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Christian Frommelt, Rector of the University of Liechtenstein, Daniel Stockhammer, Dean of the LSA Liechtenstein School of Architecture and Alberto Alessi, curator of the exhibition, LSA Liechtenstein School of Architecture, will speak at the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday, April 16, 6 pm.

The carpentry trade is in a constant state of evolution. Digitalization and CNC-controlled joinery robots offer enormous potential for speed and precision in creating complex structures in timber construction.

These factors are transforming traditional methods and craftsmanship, as digital tools introduce new workflows, and knowledge as well as best practices previously taught in training are taking on a different significance in professional practice. Answers to many craftspeople’s questions about their current and future roles were provided by Dipl.-Ing. Dr. sc. Wolfgang Schwarzmann, Liechtenstein School of Architecture, Architecture and Planning, at the “Holz Handwerk 2024” trade fair in Nuremberg.

The Top Cyber News Magazine provides information and insights on technology, innovation, and cybersecurity directly from experts. In its 2024 special edition, it honored 40 outstanding talents under the age of 40 from 21 countries and 5 continents, including Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou.

Amid the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, it is essential to recognize talents who dedicate their energy and careers to this field. The special edition highlights remarkable professionals in cybersecurity and the digital industry, all of whom are part of the inspiring force behind the global cybersecurity awareness movement.