Fachhochschule Graubünden

Profile narrative

Fachhochschule Graubünden (FH Graubünden) is a Swiss university of applied sciences that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, health, social work, architecture and tourism. The institution emphasises practice‑oriented teaching, integrating project‑based learning, internships and laboratory work into its curricula to prepare graduates for immediate professional entry. In addition to degree programmes, FH Graubünden provides continuing education, certificate courses and customised training for professionals seeking to update or expand their competencies. Its teaching activities are directed toward students from the canton of Graubünden as well as learners from other Swiss regions and abroad who seek a professionally focused education. The university maintains close relationships with regional enterprises, public agencies and non‑governmental organisations, using these links to shape study programmes and to facilitate student placements. Applied research is a core function, with faculty and students undertaking projects that address concrete challenges faced by local industry and society. Knowledge transfer activities, including conferences, workshops and consulting services, extend the impact of the university’s research beyond the campus.

FH Graubünden’s commitment to applied research is illustrated by its involvement in a project that analysed online hate images through a citizen‑contribution platform launched in early 2023. The project invited anonymous submissions of hateful imagery for scientific study and relied on segregated data storage and preventive security measures to protect sensitive information. On 4 February 2023 the project website was hit by a cyberattack that infected the site with malware, disrupting the citizen contribution system for nearly three days. FH Graubünden’s IT team successfully removed the malware and restored functionality without compromising any personal or sensitive data, thanks to the isolation of the affected platform from core research repositories. The incident underscored the university’s ability to respond swiftly to technical threats while maintaining data protection safeguards for its research activities. Beyond this specific case, FH Graubünden distinguishes itself by focusing on research topics that have direct societal relevance, such as digital hate, sustainable tourism and alpine engineering. These efforts are supported by interdisciplinary teams that combine expertise from engineering, computer science, social sciences and design to develop practical solutions. The university’s positioning within the Swiss higher education landscape reflects its role as a provider of professionally oriented education and applied research that serves the needs of the economy and community in Graubünden and surrounding areas.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.