University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, the Alma Mater Viridis, sees itself as an education and research centre for renewable resources, which are a necessity for human life. With its wide range of areas of expertise it is the task of BOKU to contribute significantly to the protection of life resources for future generations. With a connection between natural sciences, engineering and economics, BOKU is trying to deepen the knowledge of an ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources in a cultivated landscape. BOKU was founded as the "Hochschule für Bodenkultur Wien" in 1872, and began as a primarily agricultural institute. The opening took place on October 15th of the same year. In 1896, BOKU moved from the 8th district to the area around "Türkenschanzpark" in the 19th district. The Center for International Relations was founded in 1991, the same year the buildings on Muthgasse I were opened. Five years later, the second part - Muthgasse II was put into operation. Nowadays, the departments of BOKU are located all over the 18th and 19th districts, mainly on Muthgasse and around "Türkenschanzpark". The mission of the Department Forest- and Soil Sciences are research and scientific education in (forest-) ecosystems analysis, in ecosystem modelling and -management, soil use and soil protection. The Institute of Silviculture at the Department of Forest and Soil Sciences (DWB) was founded in 1875 and has a long record of scientific research in silvicultural measures and techniques, management strategies for sustainable multi-purpose forest resource management, mountain forest silviculture and forest genetics. Ever since the institute has been engaged in providing expert advice and consulting services and in the implementation of scientifically based practical applications of silvicultural Know How. For centuries Vienna was head of a multi-nation empire, and to this day has remained a magnet for large parts of Europe. The Vienna of today is a modern, international metropolis in the heart of Central Europe and a city with a quality lifestyle. Vienna is old and new alike, tradition-oriented yet progressive. Where else in the world can you in summer bathe with impunity in the city's river, then drive 20 minutes up to the hills and sip the indigenous wine while watching the city lights twinkle below? Walk for hours through the forests ? Take a thermal bath? Play golf, cricket, skate, row, sail, go to the racetrack, the funfair, all within the city limits? Where else can you walk your dog after dark in any of the numerous parks? Ride the public transport system with no sense of dread? And all this in addition to the usual cultural and sightseeing splendours every self-respecting big city offers its visitors. One can retrace the footsteps of Mozart, Beethoven or Strauss, or just relax in one of the many jazz clubs, or go 'clubbing'. The home of musical comedy has advanced to the mid-European mecca of musicals, musicians in the Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestras are as popular as zither players, theatre is a common topic and as much part of daily life as the coffee house. More infos.