The htw saar assumes a pioneering role among Germany's strongest research Universities of Applied Sciences. Between 1989 and 1992 the Federal-State Commission's model test for stimulating applied research at universities of applied sciences (SAFF - Stimulierung Anwendungsbezogener Forschung an Fachhochschulen) was implemented at htw saar. Since then it has substantially reinforced its strengths in applied research, in scientifically founded, practice-oriented teaching and in knowledge transfer.