At a glance
ISTA is a PhD-granting research institution dedicated to cutting-edge research.
At a Glance
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a PhD granting research institution dedicated to cutting-edge research in the physical, mathematical, computer, and life sciences.
Founding Principles
ISTA was established in 2006 by the Federal Government of Austria and the Government of Lower Austria. The campus opened in 2009 in the city of Klosterneuburg, on the outskirts of Vienna. The Institute was founded based on a set of principles that were first formulated by Haim Harari, Olaf Kübler, and Hubert Markl, who distilled them from the most successful systems and ideas in the world for the governance of research institutes.
Basic Research
Curiosity-driven
Scientists pursue their interests without constraints or predefined research topics, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Independent
Boards Of Scientists
More than half of the trustees who oversee the Institute are international scientists. Guidance is also provided by an international scientific advisory board.
International
English Language
ISTA brings together scientists and staff from all over the world. Employees use English as their working language.
Interdisciplinary
No Boundaries
ISTA brings together researchers from all major scientific disciplines. Communication and collaboration are encouraged across scientific fields.
PhD Granting
Graduate School
The Graduate School offers an interdisciplinary PhD program that supports students in becoming experts in their fields while fostering communication and collaboration across research groups and disciplines.
Supporting Careers
Tenure Track
Professors are hired early in their careers on a tenure track system, providing them with independence and a career perspective.
Exploiting Results
Intellectual Property
Globally competitive basic research leads to unforeseen but useful and valuable discoveries; intellectual property and technology transfer are important objectives.
Diverse Funding
Public and Private
ISTA is publicly and privately financed. Scientists acquire third-party funds; donations to the Institute and revenues from intellectual property are transferred to an endowment fund.
Core Missions
The founding principles of ISTA remain valid today and continue to guide the growth and development of the Institute in its second decade, as it works toward excelling in its core missions:
- to perform world-class basic research,
- to train the next generation of scientific leaders,
- to support science education and technology transfer, and
- to implement best practices in science management.
Code of Conduct
ISTA strives for excellence in research as well as for professionalism in every dimension, including scientific, personal, and financial conduct. The expectations are summarized in our Code of Conduct, which highlights the values of the Institute and outlines standards that we, in our role as ISTA employees, use as the basis for our daily and long‐term interactions, actions, and decisions.
