On 15 October 1669 Emperor Leopold I guaranteed the financing of the university of innsbruck by introducing a new extraordinary tax on salt extracted in Hall, the so called "Haller Salzsteuer". Since then the University of Innsbruck has been an important driving force for the social and economic development of Tyrol. With around 28,000 students and 5,000 employees, it is today the largest educational institution in Western Austria, one of the country's leading research universities and shapes the region. The university celebrated its 350th anniversary with numerous events.
The anniversary year opened on 31 January with a concert evening in the Congress Innsbruck, in which a commissioned work by Manuela Kerer was premiered. Another highlight of the anniversary programme was the Science Festival from 14 to 16 June in Innsbruck. Around 10,000 visitors gladly accepted the university's offer to experience science first-hand in direct interaction with researchers.
Around 15 October - the historic founding day of the University of Innsbruck - the festive week marked the highlight of the anniversary year: the city and the state celebrated their university with an extraordinary ceremony in the Tyrolean Landestheater. A presentation of the newly written university history, a festive concert, a multi-religious encounter and a big university ball rounded off the varied programme of the festival week. In addition, numerous projects in public space, lectures and a special guided tour programme in the anniversary year focused on the University of Innsbruck, its achievements and concerns in 2019.
Thinking the future
Since the anniversary year 2019 will not only be an opportunity for the University of Innsbruck to celebrate what has been achieved so far, but also and above all an occasion to further emphasise the importance of the University for the region and its interaction with society, a discussion forum will mark the end of the 2019 celebrations. This discussion forum is an invitation of the University to its region and its population. Experts will present possible scenarios, approaches and perspectives for the future of our society. Interactive formats invite people from the region to discuss the future.