Discover IST Austria

IST Austria is an interdisciplinary research institution that aims to break down the traditional boundaries between disciplines. Its focus is on basic research in the life sciences, the physical sciences, mathematics and computer science. IST Austria fosters both theoretical and experimental research, with an emphasis on close and meaningful collaborations between the two camps. By 2026, up to 90 research groups will perform research in an international state-of-the-art environment.

A place for leading researchers

The ambitious vision behind IST sketches a world-leading, independent research institute that is measured by the impact of its publications. Since its inception in 2006, IST has earned considerable recognition by the scientific community, with its researchers publishing in international top-tier journals and conferences, as well as acquiring numerous prestigious prices and grants for scientific excellence.

As IST is also dedicated to graduate education, there is a perpetual stream of high-potential PhD graduates and postdocs emerging from the institue. Thereby, high-tech companies residing in the IST PARK can benefit from IST as a source of highly-qualified talent.

State-of-the-art infrastructure

Since IST campus opening in 2009, the institute is growing steadily, with new buildings added every year. IST’s premises comprise

• various lab and office buildings,
• a main building with a lecture hall, seminar center and guest house,
• a Biomaging Facility,
• an Electron Microscopy Facility
• a Library,
• a Nanofabrication Facility,
• a Preclinical Facility,
• Scientific Computing Infrastructure,
• as well as a machine shop with state-of-the-art prototyping equipment.

Bridging science and industry

Through its dedicated TWIST Technology Transfer program, IST is building strong relationships with the industry. TWIST supports and promotes application-driven and entrepreneurial researchers at IST. Possibilities to collaborate range from mutual R&D projects to the licensing of new technologies developed at IST.

To foster entrepreneurial activities, IST has also established IST Cube, a deep tech-focused seed funds open not only to projects and founders from IST, but also Austrian-based startups in general.

IST Cube is operating its own coworking space at IST PARK Building 1. Startups can benefit from all-inclusive coworking packages including the use of shared infrastructure.