The History of the Institute
1982: The institute was originally established as a scientific institute of the University of Innsbruck to strengthen research and development activities in the field of fibres and textiles. It is situated in Vorarlberg, where a large part of the Austrian textile industry is located, about 180 km from the University main campus Innsbruck.
Founding Members:
- Federal Ministry of Science and Research
- Federal Ministry of Education and Art
- State Government of Vorarlberg
- Association for the Support of the Research and Development in the Textile Industry - Vorarlberg (Textilverein)
- o.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ortwin Bobleter is appointed as founding head of the institute
1989: The institute moved from the original site in Achstrasse to the new building of the HTL-Textil in Höchsterstrasse 73, where a separated area of 500m² has been planned and equipped especially for the requirements of research and development work.
1998: Univ.-Prof. Thomas Bechtold is appointed as new head of the institute.
1999: The institute became a full university institute and a member of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy in accordance with the University Organisation Act (UOG) of 1993. In addition to basic scientific and industrial research projects, courses in the field of textile chemistry, textile physics and applied chemistry are offered at the University of Innsbruck.
2016: With the appointment of Univ.-Prof. Tung Pham to the BMK endowed chair, the research competences of the institute are broadened. Apart from the existing, very strong research areas in textile chemistry and technology, additional research fields in polymer chemistry, material science, technical textiles and composites are established.
2018: The infrastructure of the institute was further expanded to an additional location with about 1000 m2 of office and laboratory space as well as an application hall at Rundfunkplatz 4.
2018: Univ.-Prof. Tung Pham is appointed as new head of the institute.
2022: We celebrated the 40th anniversary of our institute!
