Prof. Erwin Kittinger studied physics at the University of Innsbruck and received his PhD in experimental physics in 1965. Between 1965 and 1967, Kittinger worked as a research associate at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA. He then worked as a university assistant at the Institute for Experimental Physics at the University of Innsbruck from 1967 to 1983. Kittinger's work focused on the field of physical acoustics: he was concerned with ultrasound measurement techniques and their application to the investigation of glassy and crystalline solids. Another focus was on theoretical and experimental work on the nonlinear electroelastic properties of piezoelectric crystals. In 1978 Kittinger was awarded the title of university lecturer in experimental physics with special emphasis on physical acoustics, and in 1983 he was appointed associate university professor at the Institute of Experimental Physics.
Erwin Kittinger was a long-time member of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and held the office of chairman of the study commission for the physics field of study from 1984 to 1987. Over the years, his research in the field of physical acoustics also directed his interest to problems of building and room acoustics. Thus, in May 1987, Kittinger was appointed full professor of building physics at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Innsbruck. From 1995 onwards, Kittinger was Dean of this Faculty until 1999, with the implementation of the UOG 93 at the Faculty being the main focus of his activities. From 1997 to 2003 he was a member of the Senate (UOG 93). Between 1999 and 2003, Kittinger chaired the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Construction.