University of Klagenfurt

2025-10-12T13:36:46Z

181.189.25.46:

{{short description|Federal research university in Klagenfurt, Austria}}
{{Infobox university|
name=University of Klagenfurt|
native_name = Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
|image=University_of_Klagenfurt,_seal,_2014.png
|motto=''[[Per Aspera Ad Astra]]'' ([[Latin]])
|mottoeng=Through hardships to the stars
|established=1970 / 1975 / 1993
|type=[[Public university|Public]] [[research university]]
|budget=[[Euro|€]]95 million (2025)
|rector=Ada Pellert
|academic_staff=1,195 (2023)
|total_staff=1,698 (2023)<ref name="Facts, Figures and Data"/>
|students=13,323 (2024/25)<ref name="Facts, Figures and Data">{{cite web |title=Facts, Figures and Data |url=https://www.aau.at/en/university/profile/facts-figures-and-data/ |website=University of Klagenfurt |access-date=19 Dec 2024}}</ref>
|doctoral=471 (2021/22)
|city=[[Klagenfurt]]
|country=[[Austria]]
|coordinates={{coord|46|36|59|N|14|15|54|E|region:AT-2_type:edu|display=inline,title}}
|campus=[[Suburb]]an, 27 acres (11 ha)
|colors=[[Shades of Blue]] {{color box|#4699c2}}{{color box|#336b81}}
|affiliations=[[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB]], [[Young European Research Universities Network|YERUN]]
|website= [https://www.aau.at/en/ www.aau.at]
|logo =Universitaet klagenfurt logo.svg
}}

The '''University of Klagenfurt''' ({{langx|de|Universität Klagenfurt}} or ''Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt'', '''AAU''') is a federal [[Austria]]n [[research university]] and the largest research and higher education institution in the [[States of Austria|state]] of [[Carinthia]]. It has its campus in [[Klagenfurt]].

Originally founded in 1970 and relaunched in 1993, the university today holds faculties of [[arts]], [[humanities]] & [[education]], [[management]], [[economics]] & [[law]], [[social sciences]], and [[Technology|technical sciences]]. It is listed in the [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|THE]] and [[QS World University Rankings|QS]] global rankings and held rank 48 worldwide in THE's ''Young University Rankings'' 2021.<ref>[https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2021/young-university-rankings THE Young University Rankings 2021], retrieved 26 June 2022.</ref>

The university has defined three research priority areas, ''Social Ecology'' (until 2018, transferred to [[University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna|BOKU Vienna]]), ''Networked and Autonomous Systems'', and ''Multiple Perspectives in Optimization'', with the former spawning three [[European Research Council|ERC]] Grants and the latter a ''doc.funds'' programme of the [[Austrian Science Fund]]. It has launched a new initiative, ''Humans in the Digital Age'' (HDA), in 2019, hosting an ERC Grant on [[computer security|cybersecurity]].

It also holds a number of central facilities such as the [[Robert Musil]] Institute (co-organizer of the [[Ingeborg Bachmann|Bachmann]] Prize), the [[Karl Popper]] Kolleg (an [[Institute for Advanced Study (disambiguation)|Institute for Advanced Study]]), the University Cultural Centre (UNIKUM), the ''build!'' Gründerzentrum (a [[startup company|start-up]] facilitation center), the University Sports Centre (USI), and the Klagenfurt University Library.

Since Dec 1, 2024, the university's rector is Ada Pellert, former rector of the [[University of Hagen]], following [[Oliver Vitouch]] in this capacity. Ulrike Krieg-Holz chairs the Academic Senate; Werner Wutscher is chairman of the University Council.

The University of Klagenfurt is situated 30 km from the [[Slovenia]]n and 60 km from the [[Italy|Italian]] border and supports [[multilingualism|bi- and multilingualism]], especially in the context of the [[Carinthian Slovenes|Slovenian minority]] in Carinthia. Together with the [[Free University of Bozen-Bolzano]] (Italy) and the [[University of Fribourg]] ([[Switzerland]]), it is among the three [[south]]ernmost universities in the [[German language|German]]-speaking world.

==History==
[[File:Aau luftbild.jpg|thumb|The University of Klagenfurt and the adjacent Lakeside Science & Technology Park (2019)]]
[[File:Haupteingang der Universität Klagenfurt.jpg|thumb|Main entrance (2019)]]
[[File:Foyer uni klagenfurt.jpg|thumb|Foyer, main building (2018)]]
[[File:Südtrakt der Universität Klagenfurt.jpg|thumb|South Wing (seen from the West) with [[public art]] by [[Lawrence Weiner]]]]
[[File:Innenhof uni klagenfurt.jpg|thumb|Courtyard between Central Wing and North Wing (2018)]]
[[File:Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt HS A.jpg|thumb|Lecture Hall A (South Wing)]]
[[File:HS 1 der Universität Klagenfurt.jpg|thumb|Lecture Hall 1 (Central Wing)]]
With the Protestant ''collegium sapientiae et pietatis'' founded in 1552, Klagenfurt hosted one of the oldest [[gymnasium (school)|gymnasiums]] in Austria (today's [[w:de:Europagymnasium (Klagenfurt)|Europagymnasium]]), directed by [[Hieronymus Megiser]] from 1593 to 1601, but had no ancient university tradition.

In 1970, the Austrian parliament passed a federal law allowing the establishment of an Educational Science College in Klagenfurt. The first doctoral degree was conferred in 1972. In 1975, new laws on higher education came into force, with the name of the college being changed into ''Universität für Bildungswissenschaften'' (University of Educational Sciences).

In 1993, a fundamental relaunch took place: The institution's name was changed to ''Universität Klagenfurt'' (University of Klagenfurt), and a Faculty of Humanities and a (new) Faculty of Economics, Business Administration, and Informatics were inaugurated. The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies was inaugurated in 2004.

The university adopted the official [[cognomen]] ''Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt'' in 2004 (with its legal name still being ''Universität Klagenfurt''). It was extended with a fourth, technical sciences faculty in 2007 (with a focus on [[Informatics]], [[Information Technology]], and Networked & Autonomous Systems), engaging in research operations in collaboration with the ''Lakeside Science & Technology Park''. In 2012, the number of students passed the 10,000 mark.

On occasion of the institution's 40th anniversary, a [[Boat Race]] was held on [[Wörthersee|Lake Wörth]] in 2010. Klagenfurt's [[Eight (rowing)|Eight]] won against the [[University of Vienna]] by a boat length on a sprinting distance from the rowing clubs to [[w:de:Schloss Maria-Loretto|Maria Loretto castle]].

In 2015, the university established [[commencement speech]]es at its graduation ceremonies. Among the speakers so far are [[Sabine Herlitschka]], [[Josef Winkler (writer)|Josef Winkler]], [[August-Wilhelm Scheer]], [[w:de:Johanna Rachinger|Johanna Rachinger]], [[Josef Aschbacher]], [[w:de:Judith Kohlenberger|Judith Kohlenberger]], and [[Christoph Grabenwarter]]. [[President of Austria|Presidents of Austria]] [[Heinz Fischer]] (formerly) and [[Alexander Van der Bellen]] (incumbent) are recurrent guests at [[doctor (title)|doctoral]] graduations [[sub auspiciis Praesidentis]].

In 2020, the university celebrated its institutional 50 year jubilee. This included a lecture series together with the [[Austrian Academy of Sciences]], ''Utopia! Is the world out of joint? Contributions to the art of [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]]'' opened by [[Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger]] and the bestowal of an honorary doctorate to [[Rae Langton]]. Several further jubilee events were virtualized or postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. On 22 November 2020 the [[ORF (broadcaster)|Austrian Broadcasting Corporation]] showed the TV documentary ''Humans in the Digital Age: University of Klagenfurt—50th Anniversary''.

The jubilee exhibition ''ARTEFICIA'' was postponed to autumn 2021. It shows unique exhibits from [[honorary degree|honorary doctors]] Manfred Bockelmann, Michael Guttenbrunner, [[Maja Haderlap]], [[Peter Handke]], [[Maria Lassnig]], Valentin Oman, [[Wolfgang Puschnig]], [[Peter Turrini]], and Josef Winkler.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aau.at/universitaet/campus/kunst-und-kultur/wissen-schafft-kunst/arteficia/ |title=ARTEFICIA. Die Kunst der Ehrendoctores. |language=de |accessdate=9 Oct 2021}}</ref>

Technological developments of the University of Klagenfurt—leading contributions to the navigation system of the robotic helicopter ''[[Ingenuity (helicopter)|Ingenuity]]''—are part of [[NASA]]s [[Mars 2020]] mission ([[Mars]] landing on 18 February 2021, maiden flight of the helicopter on 19 April 2021).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://science.orf.at/stories/3204776/ |title=Der Austro-Anteil am Marsrover |language=de |accessdate=11 July 2021 |date=Feb 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://science.apa.at/power-search/8129919709081956788 |title=Heli-Flug-Premiere—Klagenfurter Forscher blickt 'gespannt' auf Mars |language=de |accessdate=11 July 2021 |date=Apr 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://science.apa.at/power-search/1537883431913972874 |title=Mars-Hubschrauber-Flug—'Wir haben Geschichte geschrieben' |language=de |accessdate=11 July 2021 |date=Apr 19, 2021}}</ref>

==Campus==
With its suburban setting, the university campus is in walking distance of both the [[renaissance]]-dominated historic city centre of [[Klagenfurt]] (capital of the state of [[Carinthia]]) and the east bay of the [[Wörthersee]], a renowned Austrian summer resort. Also hiking, climbing and skiing possibilities in the Austrian [[Central Eastern Alps|Alps]] are nearby.

Together with the adjacent ''Lakeside Science & Technology Park'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lakeside-scitec.com/en/ |title = Lakeside Science & Technology Park}}</ref> a 60 acres start-up and spin-off park, the university campus forms the so-called ''Lakeside District''. The Park hosts companies such as [[ASFINAG]], [[CISC Semiconductor]], [[Dynatrace]], [[Fraunhofer Society|Fraunhofer Austria]], [[Infineon Technologies|Infineon]], [[Joanneum Research]], [[Kapsch|Kapsch TrafficCom]], [[Bausch + Ströbel|PharmTElligent]], and [[SKIDATA]].

From 2016 to 2018, the university's central and north wing (13,000 m2) were fully refurbished with a budget of €26 million. As a result, the university was shortlisted for the ''Prix Versailles – Campuses'' 2019 (under [[UNESCO]] patronage), together with buildings of the [[University of Chicago]] in [[Hongkong]], [[Barnard College]], [[Stanford University]], [[School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada|SPA Vijayawada]], and [[Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology|Skoltech]], which won the competition.<ref>[https://www.v2com-newswire.com/en/newsroom/categories/lifestyle/press-kits/3862-01/fifth-edition-the-prix-versailles-celebrates-the-world-s-most-beautiful-campuses-passenger-stations-and-sports-facilities Shortlist of ''Prix Versailles – Campuses'' 2019], retrieved 15 Aug 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.prix-versailles.com/2019-campuses Winner of the ''Prix Versailles – Campuses'' 2019], retrieved 15 Aug 2019.</ref> It is listed among the ''World’s Most Beautiful Campuses'' since 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prix-versailles.com/ |title=Prix Versailles Initiative: Recognising the "World's Most Beautiful" Achievements |language=en |accessdate=11 Nov 2023}}</ref>

==Faculties and departments==
The following four-faculty structure does apply since 1 January 2023.

===Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Education===
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Education encompasses 11 departments and a faculty centre. Their common ambition is to foster multilingualism and intercultural education, with a special focus on [[teacher education]].

* Department of [[English studies|English]] and [[American Studies]]
* Department of Cultural Analysis
* Department of Educational Sciences and [[Educational research|Research]]
* Department of [[German Studies]]
* Department of [[History]]
* Department of Instructional and School Development
* Department of [[Philosophy]]
* Department of [[Romance studies|Romance Studies]]
* Department of [[Slavonic Studies]]
* Department of [[Sports Science]]
* [[Robert Musil]] Institute for Literary Studies
* Faculty Centre for [[Sign Language]] and Communication of the [[Hearing Loss|Hearing Impaired]]

===Faculty of Management, Economics & Law===
The Faculty of Management, Economics & Law has a focus on business management while fostering interdisciplinary links with law and economics. Alumni shall be fit for global business careers in the 21st century. Since February 2023, the Faculty is [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB]] accredited.

* Department of [[Business]] [[Management]]
* Department of [[Economics]]
* Department of [[Managerial finance|Financial Management]]
* Department of [[Innovation management|Innovation Management]] and [[Entrepreneurship]]
* Department of [[Operations management|Operations]], [[Energy]], and [[Environmental Management]]
* Department of [[Organization]], [[Human Resources]], and [[Service Management]]
* Department of [[Public management|Public]], [[Nonprofit organization|Nonprofit]], and [[Health administration|Health Management]]
* Department of [[Law]]

===Faculty of Social Sciences===
This faculty unites some core disciplines of the Social Sciences, including two of the university's most demanded curricula. Unifying element is the question of good human lives both now and in the future. The faculty maintains a strategic partnership with the [[Austrian Academy of Sciences]].

* Department of [[Geography]] and [[Regional science|Regional Studies]]
* Department of [[Communication studies|Media and Communications Science]]
* Department of [[Psychology]]
* Department of [[Society]], [[Knowledge]] and [[Politics]]

===Faculty of Technical Sciences===
The Faculty of Technical Sciences is dedicated to research and training in the fields of informatics, information technology and technical mathematics. The faculty was founded in January 2007 and superseded the Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Informatics as well as a newly established Department for information and communication technology. It is organized into nine departments and offers five bachelor's degree programs, four master's degree programs, two teacher training degree programs and two doctoral programs.

* Department of [[Artificial Intelligence]] and [[Computer security|Cybersecurity]]
* Department of Informatics Education
* Department of [[Informatics (academic field)|Informatics]] Systems
* Department of [[Information Technology]]
* Department of [[Mathematics]]
* Department of [[Mathematics Education]]
* Department of Networked and [[Embedded Systems]]
* Department of [[Smart Systems]] Technologies
* Department of [[Statistics]]

The research cluster "self-organizing networked systems" closely collaborates with the research institute [[Lakeside Labs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lakeside-labs.com/ |title = Lakeside Labs – Self-Organizing Networked Systems}}</ref>

==University centres==
* Centre for [[Women's studies|Women's]] and [[Gender Studies]]
* [[Information Age|Digital Age]] Research Centre (D!ARC)
* [[Karl Popper]] Kolleg
* M/O/T – School of Management, Organizational Development and Technology
* School of Education (SoE)
* UNIKUM (University Cultural Centre)

==Partnerships==
As of 2021, the University of Klagenfurt has strategic partnerships with the [[Austrian Academy of Sciences]], the [[Ca' Foscari University of Venice]], the [[Fraunhofer Society|Fraunhofer Austria Society]], and with [[Silicon Austria Labs]] (SAL).<ref>[https://www.aau.at/en/research/research-profile/institutional-partnerships/ University of Klagenfurt: Institutional Partnerships], retrieved 30 Dec 2020.</ref><ref>[https://research-network.silicon-austria.com/#sal-uni-labs Silicon Austria Labs Research Network: SAL/Uni Labs], retrieved 28 May 2021.</ref><ref>[https://research-network.silicon-austria.com/#sal-dc Silicon Austria Labs Research Network: Doctoral College (SAL-DC)], retrieved 28 May 2021.</ref> It offers joint study programs with the Universities of [[University of Vienna|Vienna]], [[University of Graz|Graz]], [[University of Udine|Udine]], [[La Rochelle University|La Rochelle]], and the [[Poznań University of Technology]].<ref>[https://www.aau.at/en/international/study-abroad/joint-double-degrees/ University of Klagenfurt: Joint and Double Degrees], retrieved 28 May 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.aau.at/studien/master-wirtschaftsrecht/ Master's Program Wirtschaftsrecht (in German)], retrieved 30 Dec 2020.</ref><ref>[https://zentrum-paedagoginnenbildung.uni-graz.at/de/kooperationen/entwicklungsverbund-sued-ost/ University of Graz: Entwicklungsbund Süd-Ost (in German)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819142043/https://zentrum-paedagoginnenbildung.uni-graz.at/de/kooperationen/entwicklungsverbund-sued-ost/ |date=2022-08-19 }}, retrieved 30 Dec 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.aau.at/en/studien/master-artificial-intelligence-and-cybersecurity/ Master's Program Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity], retrieved 30 Dec 2020.</ref>

Student mobility partnerships via [[Erasmus+]] and other exchange programs exist with over 250 universities in more than 50 countries worldwide.<ref>[https://www.aau.at/en/university/organisation/administration-and-management/international-office/ University of Klagenfurt: International Office], retrieved 30 Dec 2020.</ref>

At the beginning of 2022, the University of Klagenfurt joined [[Young European Research Universities Network|YERUN]], a European network of young research-intensive universities headquartered in [[Brussels]].

==Rankings==
{{Infobox university rankings
| QS_W = =697 | QS_W_year = 2026 | QS_W_ref = <ref name=":QSW2026">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings|title=QS World University Rankings}}</ref>
| THE_W = 601–800 | THE_W_year = 2026 |THE_W_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2026/world-ranking|title=THE World University Rankings 2026|date=9 Oct 2025|access-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref>
| THE_W_CS = 201–250 | THE_W_CS_year = 2025 | THE_W_CS_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2025/subject-ranking/computer-science|title=THE World University Rankings 2025 by subject: Computer Science|date=22 Jan 2025|access-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref>
| THE_W_Business = 301–400 | THE_W_Business_year = 2025 | THE_W_Business_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2025/subject-ranking/business-and-economics|title=THE World University Rankings 2025 by subject: Business and Economics|date=22 Jan 2025|access-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref>
| THE_W_Psychology = 301–400 | THE_W_Psychology_year = 2025 | THE_W_Psychology_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2025/subject-ranking/psychology|title=THE World University Rankings 2025 by subject: Psychology|date=22 Jan 2025|access-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref>
}}

The [[THE World University Rankings]] 2026 list the University of Klagenfurt in the 601–800 group, on par with [[Graz University of Technology]]. THE uses the ''field-weighted citation impact'', considering the different range of fields between universities.<ref>[https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/world-university-rankings-2021-methodology THE World University Rankings 2021: Methodology] "The data are normalised to reflect variations in citation volume between different subject areas. This means that institutions with high levels of research activity in subjects with traditionally high citation counts do not gain an unfair advantage." Retrieved 2 Sep 2020.</ref>

From the [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] fields, the University of Klagenfurt has [[technology]], [[engineering]], and [[mathematics]] in its spectrum, but not any classic [[natural science|sciences]] or [[life sciences]], which is a handicap in the other large global university rankings. Still, it holds rank 697 in the [[QS World University Rankings]], which aim to rank the 1,500 best universities in the world (out of > 26,000).

The University of Klagenfurt also ranked in the [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]] ''(Shanghai Ranking)'' from 2019 to 2022 (801–900/901–1,000), and in [[U-Multirank]] since 2017 (honorable mention in 2021<ref>[https://www.umultirank.org/export/sites/default/press-media/media-center/universities/2021/country-reports/AT-Country-report-2021.pdf U-Multirank 2021: Country Report Austria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822060218/https://www.umultirank.org/export/sites/default/press-media/media-center/universities/2021/country-reports/AT-Country-report-2021.pdf |date=2022-08-22}}. Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.</ref>).

In the biennial ''Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021'', provided by [[Studyportals]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://studyportals.com/global-student-satisfaction-awards/|title=Global Student Satisfaction Awards|date=|access-date=12 Aug 2025}}</ref> the University of Klagenfurt came off as global winner for the best ″[[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] Crisis Management″. In 2023, it won again in the ″Student Diversity″ category.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://studyportals.com/global-student-satisfaction-awards-past-winners/|title=Global Student Satisfaction Awards: Past Winners|date=|access-date=12 Aug 2025}}</ref> This makes it a double winner in student satisfaction worldwide.

==Honorary doctors==
{{div col}}
* [[Hans Albert]] (2007)
* [[w:de:Manfred Bockelmann|Manfred Bockelmann]] (2013)
* [[Joseph Buttinger]] (1977)
* [[w:de:Karl Corino|Karl Corino]] (2014)
* [[w:de:Peter Eichhorn (Wirtschaftswissenschaftler)|Peter Eichhorn]] (2003)
* Helmut Engelbrecht (1998)
* [[w:de:Hertha Firnberg|Hertha Firnberg]] (1980)
* [[Adolf Frisé]] (1982)
* Gerda Fröhlich (1995)
* Manfred Max Gehring (1992)
* [[Ernst von Glasersfeld]] (1997)
* [[Georg Gottlob]] (2016)
* [[w:de:Michael Guttenbrunner|Michael Guttenbrunner]] (1994)
* [[Maja Haderlap]] (2012)
* [[Peter Handke]] (2002)
* [[Adolf Holl]] (2000)
* Johannes Huber (2017)
* Sigmund Kripp (1998)
* [[Rae Langton]] (2020)
* [[Maria Lassnig]] (1999 / 2013)<ref>Awarded 1999, accepted 2013.</ref>
* [[Florjan Lipuš]] (2022)
* [[Claudio Magris]] (1995)
* [[w:de:Käte Meyer-Drawe|Käte Meyer-Drawe]] (2022)
* [[Ewald Nowotny]] (2008)
* [[w:de:Valentin Oman|Valentin Oman]] (1995)
* [[Paul Parin]] (1995)
* [[Wolfgang Petritsch]] (2013)
* [[w:de:Theodor Piffl-Perčević|Theodor Piffl-Perčević]] (1977)
* [[Janko Pleterski]] (2005)
* [[Wolfgang Puschnig]] (2004)
* [[w:de:Josef Rattner|Josef Rattner]] (2006)
* [[w:de:Siegfried J. Schmidt|Siegfried J. Schmidt]] (2004)
* [[Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb]] (2022)
* [[Franz Schuh (writer)|Franz Schuh]] (2022)
* [[Klaus Tschira]] (1995)
* [[Peter Turrini]] (2010)
* [[w:de:Oswald Wiener|Oswald Wiener]] (1995)
* [[w:de:Horst Wildemann|Horst Wildemann]] (2003)
* [[Josef Winkler (writer)|Josef Winkler]] (2009)
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{official|https://www.aau.at/}}

{{Universities and colleges in Austria |state=autocollapse}}
{{AARC}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:University of Klagenfurt| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Austria]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1970]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Carinthia]]
[[Category:Education in Carinthia]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in Austria]]

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University of Klagenfurt