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
01. Dezember 2025, 17:00 Uhr
Dust in the critical zone
Gastvortrag von Janice Brahney (Utah State University – Watershed Sciences Department)
im Rahmen des Ökologischen Kolloquiums
online via Zoom
02. Dezember 2025, 09:00 Uhr
Seasonal Variation of Zooplankton in a Glacier-fed Alpine Lake
Defensio von Paulina Kalita
online via Zoom
02. Dezember 2025, 13:30 Uhr
Mountain Agriculture Under Change: how variables connected to Land Use and Climate shape Wild Bee diversity and Pollination Services
Rigorosum von Sebastiano Zanini
HS A, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck und online via Zoom
Studieren und Forschen inmitten der Alpen: Ökologie & Biodiversität
Wo der Hörsaal auch einmal am Berg sein kann