The MATRIS Science Lab conducts research projects in cybersecurity, combinatorial testing and the resilience of critical infrastructures. Its work focuses on mathematical methods and practice-oriented approaches to better protect complex systems against digital and physical threats.
The projects combine fundamental research at the University of Salzburg with applied research at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, strengthening collaboration between academia and practice.
Duration: July 2025 – June 2030
The bridging professorship in cybersecurity, funded by the State of Salzburg, provides the scientific and organisational foundation for the MATRIS Science Lab. It brings together the expertise of Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Salzburg, enabling a joint research agenda in cybersecurity.
The research focuses on mathematical methods for analysing the security of complex systems and applying these methods to real-world challenges. Cross-institutional collaboration provides the basis for long-term research activities and knowledge transfer between the two institutions.
Duration: May 2026 – August 2027
The AURELIA research project (Advancing Critical Infrastructure Resilience to Cyber Attacks and Natural Hazards) investigates how critical infrastructures can become more resilient to combined cyberattacks and natural hazards.
The project focuses particularly on smart grids and the interactions between digital attacks and physical damage events. It combines mathematical modelling, combinatorial security testing and geoinformatics methods to investigate these challenges.
AURELIA is conducted jointly at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Salzburg and lays the foundation for further research projects on the security of critical infrastructures.
Duration: August 2026 – July 2027
The ALGOCT research project (Algorithms and Foundations of Combinatorial Testing) investigates the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of combinatorial testing.
Its aim is to advance fundamental methods that enable complex systems to be tested efficiently and systematically. The research contributes to strengthening the scientific foundations of testing methods and opening up new applications in software security and cybersecurity.
The project is based at the University of Salzburg.
Duration: April 2026 – December 2027
MATRIS-SHIELD focuses on knowledge transfer and awareness-raising in information and IT security within higher education.
As part of the Austrian-wide UNI-IIS initiative, the project develops practice-oriented training courses, workshops and professional development opportunities for IT professionals, security experts and users.
Based at the University of Salzburg, the project aims to strengthen the understanding of cybersecurity processes and contribute to improving IT security skills and awareness.
Duration: April 2025 – December 2028
The Research and Transfer Centre for Cybersecurity focuses on the data-driven evaluation of security and privacy technologies.
Key research areas include the security of artificial intelligence systems, privacy-enhancing technologies and the investigation of attack scenarios and protective measures.
The joint research and transfer centre of Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Salzburg strengthens collaboration between academia and industry and supports the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions. Researchers associated with MATRIS contribute to its research activities.