At a Glance
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg on the outskirts of Vienna is a PhD-granting research institute. Opened in 2009, the Institute focuses on basic research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. ISTA employs professors according to a tenure-track model as well as postdocs, and PhD students in an international graduate school. In addition to its commitment to basic research, which is solely curiosity-driven, the Institute holds the rights to all resulting discoveries and promotes their exploitation.
ISTA currently has over 80 research groups conducting basic research in the fields of mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, neuroscience, biology, earth sciences and astrophysics. These groups cover both theoretical and experimental research. An essential factor for the Institute’s success is that traditional boundaries between disciplines are broken down and cooperation between groups is strongly encouraged. By 2026, up to 90 research groups will work in ISTA’s international environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Institute expects to reach its full capacity of 150 research groups by 2036.
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.
ISTA is a world-class, cross-disciplinary research institute full of opportunities.
The purpose of Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is to be a leader in basic research and graduate education with a focus on life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences. Our goal is to perform at the same level as the best scientific institutions in the world.
Science contributes to our society. Today, the successful pursuit of scientific knowledge is not only an exciting intellectual endeavor, it is also an absolute necessity for any country wishing to achieve economic success and a sustainable advanced standard of living.
Opportunities out of constant growth. ISTA has grown tremendously over the last 10 years: from a bold idea to a leading research institute and medium-sized organization – and growth will continue in the next few years. This growth offers us opportunities: placing new ideas into our world, taking on challenging projects, redesigning our processes and continuously developing our skills.
Cooperation drives our success. ISTA aims to overcome all barriers within and between research groups and scientific disciplines. By actively promoting collaborations between its researchers across different fields of science and different levels of experience, the Institute provides an atmosphere of passion for expanding the frontiers of knowledge.
For excellence, diversity is key. Scientists and staff at ISTA come from all over the world. Given the international character of the research environment we foster diversity and equality. The working language of its community is English.
Cutting-edge infrastructure for cutting-edge science. Pioneering science requires advanced equipment and state-of-the-art research facilities. ISTA provides top-notch facilities such as optical and electron microscopes, the latest cryo-EM technology, and a 450 m2 cleanroom for nanofabrication.
Careers in Science
We provide a world-class environment for science and an attractive destination for PhD students, postdocs, and professors from all countries.
We are committed to the highest international academic standards, integrity, equality and diversity on campus, as well as respect and recognition for all.
Research
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a cross-disciplinary research institution that combines basic science research with graduate education. Our scientists perform theoretical and experimental research in Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Information and System Sciences. They are organized in small to medium-size research groups that interact with each other across the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Each research group of ISTA is headed by a tenured or tenure-track professor. Below you can find a list of all our professors leading laboratories at ISTA.
Faculties:
Chemistry Data Science Cell Biology Mathematics
Biochemistry Physics Neuroscience Earth Science
Computer Science Evolution & Ecology Astronomy
