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.
Biodiversitätsrat sieht Naturschutz im Abseits
Der Verlust an Artenvielfalt schreitet angesichts des immer größer werdenden menschlichen Einflusses in immer mehr Lebensbereiche weiter voran. Die österreichische Politik habe zuletzt aber nahezu nichts unternommen, um effektiv gegenzusteuern, erklärten Vertreter:innen des Österreichischen Biodiversitätsrats, unter ihnen Johannes Rüdisser von der Uni Innsbruck, am 2. März 2026 in Wien. Auf dem aktuellen „Barometer“ des Gremiums steht zum ersten Mal keine einzige Ampel auf grün.
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 WS26
23. März 2026, 17:00 Uhr
The role of root-microbe interactions in ecosystem C cycling in a changing climate
Gastvortrag von Franciska De Vries (University of Amsterdam)
im Rahmen des Ökologischen Kolloquiums
HS A, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck
Studieren und Forschen inmitten der Alpen: Ökologie & Biodiversität
Wo der Hörsaal auch einmal am Berg sein kann