WasserCluster Lunz

The WasserCluster Lunz (WCL) is an inter-university centre for the research of aquatic ecosystems. The institute was founded in 2005 with the aim to continue the work of the Biological Station Lunz (1905 - 2003).

Central objectives of the international research team

• revive the research of aquatic ecosystems in Lunz
• to give a significant impulse for ecosystem research in Austria
• and contribute significantly to education and teaching in the field of ecology and environmental research

Three universities, one research facility

The WCL is run in cooperation with the University of Vienna, the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, and the Danube University Krems and is funded by the Province of Lower Austria and the City of Vienna. The main focus of the WCL in aquatic ecosystem research is on basic and applied research in the fields of microbial ecology, food chain research, biogeochemistry, ecotoxicology, restoration ecology and management of streams, rivers and lakes.

In addition to field research, the development of experimental laboratory research is in the foreground. The WCL combines scientific expertise with state-of-the-art technological infrastructure to ensure innovative research for the conservation of water systems and sustainable use perspectives of aquatic resources. Numerous cooperations with partner universities as well as with international universities and research institutions make it possible to work on current problems in the area of conflict between ecology and society according to the current state of science and to develop innovative solutions for water bodies and the use of resources.

The WCL is also an important location for university teaching, postgraduate and international education and also works in the field of research-education cooperation.