Construction begins on a modern university building: revolutionizing wildlife research!

Construction begins on a modern university building: revolutionizing wildlife research!

At Wilhelminenberg in Vienna, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) has begun construction of a modern, multifunctional university building for wildlife science. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the end of September 2023 in the presence of Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, BIG Managing Director Christine Dornaus and the Rector of the Vetmeduni, Matthias Gauly. The new wooden building, which is being designed by the Viennese architectural firm Delta Pods Architects, will cover around 2,000 square meters.

The total cost of the project is around 22.1 million euros, with around 20 million euros earmarked for construction and around 2.1 million euros for equipment. The Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) and the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG) work hand in hand when it comes to financing.

State-of-the-art research facilities

The new building will not only consist of teaching and research, but will also offer office space and modern laboratory facilities. Chemistry laboratories, teaching rooms and a multi-purpose hall are planned on the ground floor. The first floor will provide space for genetics laboratories and offices, while additional laboratory and technical space will be provided in the basement. Given the commitment to sustainability, the building will be equipped with geothermal probes for heating and cooling, and the wooden facade will allow optimal integration into the surroundings of the Vienna Woods.

Construction will last until the end of 2027, and the first phase of construction will include the new university building with a wooden facade. The use of wood in particular ensures that the building has low energy consumption, which is more than just a plus these days. Completion of the new building is planned for the winter semester of 2027, while the renovation of the existing buildings of the Research Institute for Wildlife Science and Ecology (FIWI) is expected to be completed in 2028.

Strategic development of wildlife research

The new building represents a significant step towards improving the potential in wildlife research, wildlife medicine and ecology. The new premises are intended to further strengthen the position of the research location at Wilhelminenberg and to intensify the exchange between science and practice. Various institutions, including the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Comparative Behavioral Research (KLIVV), will benefit from the new opportunities.

This investment will not only modernize the research environment, but will also make a decisive contribution to the conservation and better understanding of wild animals in Central Europe - an issue that concerns us all.

Further information can be found on the website of My district, Crafts and construction and ORF Vienna.