Mission Statement

Founded in 1669, the Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck is the largest university in the western part of Austria. Located at a traditional north-south crossroads connecting Europe, we are oriented internationally while positioned locally.

Learning from the long and sometimes problematic history of the University, we build bridges into the future. Our strength is managing seemingly conflicting topics in a productive manner: asking globally oriented but regionally motivated research questions; self-confidently breaking with well-established knowledge while consciously respecting traditions; and capitalizing on academic freedom while treating it responsibly. In this environment of balanced diversity everyone at the University acts as a member of society as well as a link to society.

This philosophy is reflected in our current main research areas: Alpine Space, Cultural Encounters – Cultural Conflicts, Economy, Politics & Society (EPoS), Molecular Biosciences, Physics, Scientific Computing and the Digital Science Center (DiSC). All knowledge gained from our research is available to the public to initiate, foster and advance informed discussions and sometimes vigorous debates inside and outside of the academic world.

Who we are

The University of Innsbruck as a vital social force stands for high-quality independent research and education. All members of the University, students and staff alike, actively take responsibility to sustainably contribute to developments at the University and in society. As a University we create an environment where free, creative and daring thinking can prosper and we offer diverse opportunities through comprehensive education. Our leading principles to promote these values are: participation, cooperation, trust and transparency as the democratic tradition demands.

What we do

Based upon the academic ideal of a comprehensive university offering all disciplines, the breadth and depth of academic fields at the University of Innsbruck drive research and teaching while serving society. Research-driven teaching is the basis for leading our students to outstanding achievements in their daily life and professional career. It is also the foundation of higher education and develops future academics. Despite its regional roots, the University of Innsbruck is ready to compete internationally with other higher education institutions for the brightest minds and ideas while collaborating with other universities.

As society continues to rapidly evolve, knowledge generated at the University significantly benefits everyone. It gives guidance but also promotes a culture of scrutiny; it explains connections and leads to new questions. Our educational aim is to strengthen critical faculty and judgement and to improve the quality of life of individuals and society as a whole.

In cooperation with cultural, political, economic and civil society institutions we participate responsibly in public discourse, thereby creating new perspectives for a positive development of society. In addition, we contribute to the self-fulfillment of everyone at the University and facilitate co-determination at all levels. We stay in contact with our alumni and strive to inspire them to the concept of lifelong learning.

What we stand for

Academic freedom is the foundation for our actions. It also commits us to evaluate our work, research findings and new technologies critically and ethically. In this context, it is natural that we use our resources sustainably.

We cultivate open and honest communication treating everyone on an equal footing. It is important to us to value personal achievements and support each other. By guaranteeing transparent structures and policies the University creates a motivating and engaging environment.

The University embraces diversity: people, ideas, life aspirations, opinions and methods, which we promote by striving for (gender) equality, inclusion and facilitating a balance between work, education and life commitments. This diversity is a pre-requisite for insightful and inspiring higher education, academic excellence and social recognition. In this regard, the Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck acts as a role model and is an active advocate for an open society.

Innsbruck, July 2017