LTER-Austria is an official member of the global LTER network (ILTER) as well as the regional group LTER-Europe, which has been formed since 2004 as part of the Network of Excellence ALTER-Net (EU FP6). The LTER sites and LTSER platforms of LTER-Austria are Austria's contribution to the European and global network. As a national network, LTER-Austria is integrated into the strategic and conceptual framework at the international level and participates in coordinated initiatives and activities.
Long-term ecological research (LTER) makes a significant contribution to better understanding ecosystems. Scientists around the world are working to gain new insights into the structure and functions of ecosystems, as well as their long-term responses to environmental influences and so-called social and economic "drivers." LTER provides valuable information for policymakers and contributes to the development of management options in response to the challenges of global change.
In consensus with the international LTER community, LTER-Austria focuses on the integration of classical natural sciences with ecosystem research approaches. The human factor is addressed through the expansion to social-ecological long-term research (LTSER). Thus, LTER-Austria includes not only LTER sites but also so-called LTSER platforms, which place entire regions at the center of focus and represent a new generation of ecosystem research.
