The History of the Institute:
The institute was originally established in 1982 as a scientific institute of the University of Innsbruck to strengthen research and development activities in the field of fibres and textiles. It is situated in Vorarlberg, where a large part of the Austrian textile industry is located, about 180 km from the University main campus Innsbruck.
Founding Members:
- Federal Ministry of Science and Research
- Federal Ministry of Education and Art
- State Government of Vorarlberg
- Association for the Support of the Research and Development in the Textile Industry - Vorarlberg (Textilverein)
- o.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ortwin Bobleter (appointed as founding head of the institute)
In 1989, the institute moved from the original site in Achstrasse to the new building of the HTL-Textil in Höchsterstrasse 73, where a separated area of 500m² has been planned and equipped especially for the requirements of scientific work.
In 1998, Univ.-Prof. Thomas Bechtold is appointed as new head of the institute.
Since 1999, the institute has been a full university institute according UOG 93. In addition to the basic scientific research and industrial research projects, lectures in the field of textile chemistry, textile physics and applied chemistry are offered at the University of Innsbruck.
With the appointment of Univ. Prof. Tung Pham to the BMK endowed chair in 2016, the research competences of the institute are broadened. Apart from the existing, very strong research areas in textile chemistry and technology, additional research fields in technical textiles, composites, polymer materials and chemistry are established.
Beginning 2018, the infrastructure of the institute was further expanded to an additional location with about 1000 m2 of office and laboratory space as well as an application hall at Rundfunkplatz 4.
In 2018, Univ.-Prof. Tung Pham is appointed as new head of the institute.
In 2022 we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our institute!