The Medical University Innsbruck

The Medical University of Innsbruck is a young research centre with a long tradition. The Jesuits established a grammar school in Innsbruck as early as 1562. These were the foundations of the University that was inaugurated in 1669 by Emperor Leopold I. A special tax was levied on salt from Hall – the ‘Hall salt levy’ – to secure funding. The Medical University of Innsbruck was one of the first four faculties (Philosophy 1669, Faculty of Law 1670, Faculty of Theology 1670 and Faculty of Medicine 1674) of the University of Innsbruck. It has been an important flagship for the university throughout its 340-year history.

In the heart of the Tyrol, and consequently in the heart of the Alps, the Medical University of Innsbruck provides the best conditions for successful research, studies and teaching at an attractive location. The main objectives of the Medical University of Innsbruck are to provide top quality teaching and training, world-class research and continuous advancements in top-flight medicine. The organisational units of the Med-Uni are divided into medical theory, clinical practice and further (service) facilities.

Within the framework of the University Act of 2002, the medical faculty was separated from the ‘Leopold-Franzens-University’, and in 2004 the Medical University Innsbruck was established as a university in its own right. Today, it has some 3,400 students and 2,200 employees. The Medical University Innsbruck is the most important medical research and training facility in western Austria and the ‘Alma Mater’ of many Tyroleans, South Tyroleans and students from the Province of Vorarlberg etc.

The Medical University Innsbruck has many years of experience in the research participation of young people, especially in so-called ‘bridging projects’ between the university and local high schools. Schools with a focus on nature science are technically strengthened through the cooperation with the university. Scientific research at the university is not only supported by the participation of future students, but also makes a significant "third mission" contribution to anchoring their research achievements in the public eye.