This week, as part of our “Meet Our Project Partners” series, we introduce the University of Innsbruck (UIBK), important contributor to the DiMark project. UIBK brings expertise in limnology, satellite technology, and innovative environmental research to our project.
About UIBK
Founded in 1669, the University of Innsbruck (UIBK) is the leading university in Western Austria, educating approximately 25,000 students from Austria, Southern Tirol, and Germany, at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level.
At the heart of UIBK’s involvement in DiMark is its Research Department for Limnology, located at the shore of Mondsee in the Salzkammergut Area in Upper Austria well known for its Alpine lakes. This department has a long history of studying lake ecosystems under global change conditions, i.e. by using ecological indicators such as phytoplankton and fish, and in supporting the installation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Photo of Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee (Upper Austria) at the University of Innsbruck, https://www.uibk.ac.at/limno
UIBK’s Role in DiMark
UIBK plays a key role in utilizing satellite technology to help monitor algal blooms in stagnant Alpine waters. Their contributions include:
- Application of the satellite detection method: UIBK uses advanced satellite making it possible to remotely observe algal blooms in stagnant waters
- Comparing satellite data with WFD monitoring: The team ensures accuracy by comparing satellite-derived data with existing monitoring data from the pilot lake, Mondsee, and other lakes in Austria.
- Combining satellite and molecular Data: The new satellite data will be used to aid bioasessment and will be intertwined with molecular data to develop practical monitoring tools. These tools will be created in collaboration with state and government institutions and will help deliver actionable solutions for sustainable water management and environmental protection.
Observer Collaboration
During the project, UIBK will work closely with regional governmental observers, including departments from Upper Austria, Salzburg, Carinthia, Vorarlberg and Lower Austria. These observers:
- Conduct seasonal lake monitoring under national regulations.
- Collect additional data regarding the occurrence of harmful algal blooms.
- Guide water management through local authorities.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned as we continue to introduce project project partners that help shape the future of Alpine lake ecosystems through the DiMark project!
