About us
The Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition (KLF) is a core facility of the University of Vienna. We study animal behaviour using evolutionary, phylogenetic, mechanistic and developmental frameworks. Mostly, we observe individually marked animals in the wild to understand which behaviours confer a survival benefit in the everchanging world of animals.
We lead and participate in rewilding programs. Locally extinct species can be brought back into restored environments to enhance biodiversity, with long-term monitoring of species interactions and restored ecosystems. We use technology interfaces such as drones, biologgers like GPS, passive and directional sound recorders, and facial recognition software to model movement ecology, communication and cognition. Our long-term population monitoring of common to critically endangered species helps us understand how environmental and social factors shape population trends. Our detailed focus on individual animals often studied across decades, from egg to free-flying adults in the wild, provides core fundamental knowledge about the animals' life history, reproductive success and survival.
The insights from our fundamental research in biology have special application for the fields of conservation biology, sustainability science, and citizen science.
Working with us
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Master
It is always possible to conduct a Master project at the Konrad Lorenz Research Center. Most students come from the University of Vienna, but students from other universities are welcome. A practical training at the Research Center prior to the start of a Master project is mandatory. If you are interested in a master project at the Konrad Lorenz Research Center, please contact us.
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Social service (Zivildienst)
One position is available at the Research Center. The responsibilities of the civil servant cover animal keeping (including food preparation), construction work (aviaries) and house-caretaking. Technical skills, driver license and knowledge of English (especially speaking abilities) are required. If you are interested, please contact us via email, including the “Stellungsbescheid”, a CV (Lebenslauf) and a letter of motivation.
VERY IMPORTANT:
In the Alm valley, ticks occur very frequently and can transmit meningitis (FSME). Tick and tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.
Support science by donating or volunteering
Help advance science – through your donation or by volunteering your time.
Location and opening hours
Konrad Lorenz Research Center
Fischerau 13
4645 Grünau/Almtal
Regular operating hours for student/guests check-in:
Mo-Fri: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm
Sat, Sun closed
Opening hours front desk:
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 08:30 am to 12:00 pm
Tue, Sat, Sun closed