Considered to be the third oldest university in Austria, the University of Innsbruck was founded in 1669, with roots dating back even earlier, to 1562 when a Jesuit college was established. Today, the university comprises 16 faculties, seven interdisciplinary research areas, one interdisciplinary research platform, and almost 40 research centers to facilitate networking and collaboration between different disciplines. Physics, Mountain Regions, Cultural Encounters – Cultural Conflicts, Scientific Computing and Molecular Biosciences are cited as being among its research priorities Approximately 28,000 students are enrolled. The University’s main mandate is to focus on research and development, teaching and continuing professional education and training. In all these fields its regional status is to be deepened and its high ranking in the European academic area is to be guaranteed. Courses are taught primarily in German, with a growing number of courses in English The university is located in the Alps, bridging German and Romance speaking regions. In order to promote international exchange in research and teaching, the university collaborates with numerous international research and education institutions.