Biometeorology: at the interface between biology and meteorology, we investigate the exchange processes between ecosystems and the atmosphere
A form of symbiosis with mutual benefits: The ant Lasius niger tickles an aphid with its antennae to obtain a drop of honeydew.
The effects of climatic changes can be clearly seen in the vicinity of the glaciers. The hydrobiology and the establishment of pioneer species in the extreme habitat of the new glacial stream section are being investigated in the ‘Glacier death and water birth’ project.
Klimawandel: Bergregionen erwärmen sich schneller als Tallagen
Ein internationales Forschungsteam mit Beteiligung der Universität Innsbruck analysierte die Auswirkungen des menschengemachten Klimawandels im Gebirge. Höhengradient, Topografie und Exposition beeinflussen die Entwicklung stark. Im Vergleich zum Flachland zeigen sich eine deutlich stärkere Erwärmung und geringere Niederschlagsmengen.
Research
Seven research groups are working on issues relating to ecology, biodiversity and evolution and are analysing the effects of human influence on ecosystems.
Studies
Our teaching focusses on deepening students' knowledge of ecological relationships and training them in both basic and applied science.
The department of Ecology
The geographically favoured location in the Alps provides the ideal basis for the research focus on the Alpine region and its fascinating diversity of ecosystems.
Meet an Ecology PhD
Ecology PhDs and PhD-students tell about their projects
Postcards from the Field
Innsbruck Ecology and Biodiversity scientists share their fieldwork
Animal ecology certificate: Species of tyrol
Around 54,000 animal species live in Austria, almost two thirds of which are in Tyrol. It is impossible to know all of this abundance in detail
Aktuelles und Termine
Terminübersicht des Kolloquiums WS25/26
18. Dezember 2025, 14:30 Uhr
Retention of Macroplastics in the Vjosa River Corridor: A Case Study of Spatial Patterns
Defensio von Theresa Makula
PR Biologie (5. Stock), Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck
07. Jänner 2026, 12:30 Uhr
The influence of snow and avalanche climate on the persistent avalanche problem in the Tyrolean and South Tyrolean Alps
Defensio von Paula Schmidl
HS A, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck
Studieren und Forschen inmitten der Alpen: Ökologie & Biodiversität
Wo der Hörsaal auch einmal am Berg sein kann