Core Facilities
A modern research infrastructure is a key cornerstone for maintaining high standards of research and international competitiveness. The University of Innsbruck supports this, amongst other things, by establishing high-performance core facilities for shared use by several research groups and institutes.
Core facilities at the University of Innsbruck must meet specific criteria regarding their composition, organisation and funding. They undergo a quality-assured establishment process and are evaluated at regular intervals. This ensures their long-term operation at a high standard, the efficient use of resources and accessibility. The process for establishing new core facilities takes place annually and is coordinated by the Vice-Rectorate for Research.
Core Facilities at the University of Innsbruck
Brain Imaging Unit (BIU)
We support researchers by providing access to a high-resolution MRI scanner dedicated to brain research. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of brain structure and activity, without any radiation exposure. Understanding the neurobiological basis of health, behavior, and performance is important across numerous scientific disciplines. MRI is a powerful, non-invasive method for studying the brain, offering insights into its anatomy, function, and changes over time. We welcome collaborations with research groups from a wide range of fields and offer support from planning through to analysis.
Facility Heads: Professor Carmen Morawetz, PhD & Professor Dorothea Hämmerer, PhD
Website
Flow cytometry
The Flow Cytometry Core Facility at the Faculty of Biology provides access to 5 flow cytometric instruments at 2 locations (Rennweg 10, Institute for Biomed. Aging Research; Campus Technik, Institute for Molecular Biology). There are 2 analyzers (CytoFLEX (Beckman Coulter), 6 colors, Technik; LSR Fortessa (BD), 18 colours, Rennweg), 2 sorters (FACSMelody (BD), 8 colours, 2-way assortment, Technik; FACSAria Fusion (BD), 18 colors, 4-way sort, Rennweg), as well as an imaging flow cytometer (ImageStream MK II (Cytek), 6 colors, Rennweg) for image-based single-cell analysis.
We support researchers with modern technology and expertise along the entire workflow. Access to the devices is possible as autonomous operation (after training) or as assisted use, depending on your needs and prior knowledge. In addition, analysis workstations with appropriate software equipment are available.
Facility Head: Professor Birgit Weinberger, PhD
Technical/Administrative Director: Brigitte Jenewein
Forest-Atmosphere Interaction Research (FAIR) site
The “Forest-Atmosphere-Interaction-Research” (FAIR) site is a field research infrastructure in a Scots Pine forest close to the village of Obermieming jointly operated by a consortium of researchers from the Faculties of Biology and Geo- and Atmospheric Sciences. The main focus of the research activities is on interactions between the forest ecosystem and the atmosphere, especially the coupled ecosystem carbon and water cycles, forest-air chemistry interactions, proximal and remote sensing, as well as boundary layer meteorology in complex terrain. In addition, the data from the site are used for calibrating, testing and validating various models. Over 100 different sensors measure over 150 variables in the air, the soil and the trees. The site infrastructure consists of line power and remote data access, several instrument towers and an air-conditioned instrument shelter.
Facility Head: Associate Professor Dr Georg Wohlfahrt
Technical/Administrative Director: Dr Albin Hammerle
Website
NMR spectroscopy
The NMR Core Facility at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy was established in 2025. The facility offers access to five solution-state NMR spectrometers: 3 open-access NMRs (400 MHz, 400 MHz, and 500 MHz) and 2 high-field NMRs with restricted access (600 MHz and 700 MHz, both equipped with cryoprobes).
We support researchers by providing access to state-of-the-art, high-resolution NMRs. Understanding the molecular structures of small molecules derived from chemical synthesis or natural sources, and their biomolecular targets (proteins, nucleic acids) is critical in various scientific fields, such as drug design. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful method for characterizing such entities and their interactions, providing insights into the constitution, conformation, and dynamics of low and high molecular weight molecules.
Facility Heads: Associate Professor Mag. Dr Christoph Kreutz & Associate Professor Dr Martin Tollinger
Single-crystal X-ray diffraction
Single-crystal X-ray diffraction is the key method for investigating the atomic structure of crystalline solids and is therefore of particular interest in chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, mineralogy, and materials science. The Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction Core Facility comprises four single-crystal diffractometers and enables researchers to obtain information on the structure of molecules and solid-state materials, providing essential insights into their resulting properties. Thanks to our comprehensive instrumentation, we offer the following services:
- Single-crystal diffraction experiments using Mo or Cu radiation
- Measurements at variable temperatures ranging from –180 to 1000 °C
- High-pressure experiments in diamond anvil cells at pressures of up to 30 GPa
Facility Heads: Dr Hannes Krüger and Dr Michael Seidl
Technical Research and Testing Institute
The Technical Testing and Research Institute (TVFA) at the University of Innsbruck is a laboratory for experimental research in the field of structural engineering. With modern measurement technology, versatile testing systems, in-house carpentry and metalworking workshops as well as accreditation according to EN ISO/IEC 17025, the TVFA supports students, scientific staff and industrial companies in teaching and research. The aim is to develop sustainable solutions in the field of building materials, building methods and building constructions through close co-operation between technology, science and industry.
Facility Head: Andreas Andreatta, Dipl.-Ing., Dr. techn.
Other research infrastructures
Research Laboratories for Empirical Behavioural Research and Media Education (EVM)
The Research Laboratories for Empirical Behavioral Research and Media Education (EVM) are a central research infrastructure at the University of Innsbruck. They provide researchers, instructors, and students with access to rooms as well as modern equipment and software infrastructure for empirical research, teaching, and project-based work. Their main areas of focus include biosensing and eye tracking, VR and gaming studies, behavioral research in educational, social, and sports contexts, as well as media analysis and digitalization.
The goal of the EVM is to establish a cross-faculty and cross-institute structure that enables the efficient, sustainable, and shared use of research resources.
BMFWF Infrastructure Database
The BMFWF Research Infrastructure Database provides an information platform on research infrastructures in academia, research and industry.
The database enables users to find or offer research infrastructures open to collaboration.
Information and enquiries
Office of the Vice Rector for Research
Mag. Julia Kathrein
+43 512 507 20103
forschung@uibk.ac.at
BMBWF Infrastructure Database
Jaqueline Klotz
+43 512 507 20103
forschung@uibk.ac.at
Address
Main University Building
Innrain 52
6020 Innsbruck