"Environmental Research 2.0" Project Launch – Research, Wonder, Understand
The "Environmental Research 2.0" project was successfully launched with a joint kick-off event at the Haus der Wildnis in Lunz. Pupils from six local schools get active with environmental research and modern technology. The focus is on regional forest and water ecosystems, which are explored as part of excursions, experiments, and research tasks. Using virtual reality experiences, citizen science apps, and AI-supported tools, participants learn how environmental research works, from data collection to result presentation.
The goal is to spark curiosity, promote scientific thinking, strengthen methodological skills, and create a deep awareness of ecological connections and sustainability.
GIAHS designation of carp ponds
A recent high-level award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the carp pond farming system in the Waldviertel region is deservedly being celebrated at WasserCluster Lunz as well: the uniquely European recognition of an aquaculture system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Over many years of scientific work, the LIPTOX group led by Martin Kainz has studied trophic interactions in the ponds using biochemical tracers (such as stable isotopes, lipids, etc.), investigated food webs, and provided solid support on the path to becoming a model region through the project TeichFit.
Annual Report 2024
Click here to view the annual report 2024.
News and Events
- 26.03.2025 The SCIBORG game is ready for use!
- 17.03.2025 Excellent internship report
Seminar Series
Jeroen Brijs | University of Innsbruck, Austria
Fish Welfare: From an Ecophysiologist's Perspective
July 9, 2025, 14:00 CET
WCL BIB and online via Zoom
List of all seminars, videos, photos,...
About WasserCluster Lunz
WasserCluster Lunz is a non-profit research center equally supported by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU Vienna), the University for Continuing Education Krems, and the University of Vienna. The research centre is financed by the Provincial Government of Lower Austria and the Municipality of Vienna. | Imagefilm 3'30 min
Research
WasserCluster Lunz pursues basic and applied research on aquatic ecosystems from microscopic to catchment scales. Our scientists conduct studies in international teams to investigate scientific problems of aquatic ecosystems; including effects of global change, significance and magnitude of aquatic-terrestrial interlinkages and aquatic ecosystem management and rehabilitation.
Education
WasserCluster Lunz offers university and postgraduate training at an international level, provides internships and accomplishes research-education cooperation at local and national scales.
Visiting Scientists
WasserCluster Lunz welcomes enquiries from scientists who are interested in a sabbatical leave in our research centre. Interested persons are invited to contact us:
Open Day
The WasserCluster Lunz organizes an open day for interested visitors every two years. The next one is expected to take place in 2026.
Partner of EFA 2019, GLA and Österreich forscht
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