National & International Research Projects
Research Projects. Over the years, Vienna Scientific Instruments (VSI) has been actively involved in various research projects, both nationally and internationally, in collaboration with academic institutions and other industrial partners. By participating in research projects, VSI has gained valuable insight into the latest trends and technologies in various fields of scientific instrumentation. These insights have enabled VSI to develop cutting-edge products that meet the needs of researchers and industrial customers alike. Vienna Scientific has also gained a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by researchers in various fields and has been able to provide customized solutions to meet these challenges. One of the key benefits of participating in research projects for VSI has been the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and institutions around the world. This has enabled VSI to build strong relationships with key players in the respective fields and develop a network of contacts and resources that can be leveraged to further research interests. Overall, VSI's participation in research projects has been a key driver of its success in the scientific instrumentation market. Read more about the expected benefits of cross-sectoral R&D for economies. and have a look at selected current and past R&D&I projects of Vienna Scientific below. An overview on activities at scientific meetings and publications of your staff members can be found at the related webpage. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss a potential joint proposal - we are here to help you prepare the proposal and, if successful, to deliver innovative technologies!
Collaboration in Cross-Sectoral Research, Development & Innovation Projects
The active involvement of commercial companies in research and development activities is a key factor in Europe's development. Vienna Scientific is fully committed to the Triple Helix concept of university-industry-government relationships - illustrating the necessary shift from an industry-government dyad in the industrial society to a growing triadic university-industry-government relationship in the knowledge society. Get in contact to develop a joint, multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral proposal!
Field Root Phenotyping of Barley - BarleyMicroBreed EU Project
Within the EU BarleyMicroBreed project (https://barleymicrobreed.eu/), we develop for the BOKU Vienna a portable fluorescence imaging system to automate root counting in barley phenotyping - analysis of soil cores from 600 barley varieties directly in the field. The lighting system will be optimized to produce high contrast images of roots protruding from the cores. Previous experience with wheat has shown that the correlation of measurements with root length density of (washed) soil cores can exceed that of human operators (Wasson et al. 2016) and achieve higher throughput.
Semi-Autonomous Chemical Air Sensing System - C-SALS Project
The C-SALS project will develop a flexible UAV-based reconnaissance system designed to support tactical mission planning and execution by providing 3D situational awareness. The AIT-led consortium will develop a comprehensive sensor suite consisting of on-board gas sensors, a powerful standoff detector, (lowerable) air sampling devices and a high-precision laser scanner on a heavy-duty UAV (suitable for police and military missions).
Automatising Minirhizotron Image Acquisition and Analysis - NextMR-IAA ATTRACT Project
The EU H2020 ATTRACT call funded breakthrough ideas in detection and imaging technologies. Our NextMR-IAA project will combine imaging technology, mechatronic automation and image analysis technology in a unique and highly innovative way to significantly advance minirhizotron technology for in situ root analysis. In detail, the NextMR-IAA project will 1) combine state-of-the-art imaging sensors (UHD VIS and certain near infrared (NIR) wavebands) with MR imaging automation to allow for effective and precise imaging of roots, and 2) will develop machine learning-based approaches to automatically segmentate & classify roots. See the VSI ATTRACT web-page for details.
Novel Root Imaging Technologies (for Arctic Environments) - FutureArctic Project
The objectives of Vienna Scientific in the H2020 project 'FutureArctic' (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action, Innovative Training Network) are 1) to develop an an autonomous, permanently installed and remote-controllable automatic minirhizotron (MR) imaging systems suitable for arctic environments, 2) to identify multi-spectral wavelength (ranges) allowing for enhanced segmentation and species-specific differentiation of (three exemplary) arctic target root systems, and 3) to conceptualise the implementation of multi-spectral imaging beyond VIS in MR imaging systems. Please see the VSI FutureArctic webpage and the FutureArctic consortium website for details.
Humus and Climate Awareness at Austrian Schools - HuLK Project
Within the HuLK Humus project, school students will work as researchers and, under the guidance of scientists, will gradually approach topics such as humus, climate change, soil and agriculture. They will learn to better understand processes (CO2 emissions, soil as a CO2 store, humus as an adaptation to climate change for crops in agriculture) and how to translate this knowledge into practical solutions.
Remote Gas Sampling - Iso-Drone Projects
Currently, atmospheric sampling for gas emission measurements requires the construction of towers or the hiring of aircraft - capital-intensive methods. Easy access to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV, "drones") has opened up new possibilities for remote gas sampling (e.g. greenhouse gases, VOCs and water vapor). The aim of the Iso-Drone projects was to develop, test and produce modular UAV-based gas sampling and monitoring systems for emission and isotope measurements. Please find further information on the ISOdrone project site.
Cross-Sectoral Research and Training - Searching Project Partners
Vienna Scientific Instruments is highly interested in participating as a partner or beneficiary in cross-sectoral research and training activities at the national (Austrian), European and international level. We are also interested in hosting Early Stage Researchers (ESR; who can enroll for PhD studies at several world-class universities in Vienna), short and long term secondments of academic staff at any career stage from PhD students to senior researchers as "Entrepreneurs in Residence" (EIR), and participating with our engineering staff in R&D&I calls and exchange programs for research and innovation staff. We have experience in writing and submitting grant proposals to Austrian (e.g. "Iso-2-Drone", "C-SALS", FFG, Austria) and European partner organizations (e.g. "FutureArctic" proposal, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action, Innovative Training Network, FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe) and have implemented many successful industry-academia projects as described above. Please contact us if you would like to discuss opportunities for joint projects.