WasserCluster Lunz is a non-profit research center that conducts basic and applied research on aquatic ecosystems from microscopic to catchment scales. The scientists conduct studies in national and international teams to investigate scientific problems of aquatic ecosystems. The scientific expertise of the five research groups includes biodiversity research with a particular focus on benthic macroinvertebrates and plankton; trophic ecology with a focus on lipids and stable isotopes as biomarkers; gaseous and particulate carbon and nutrient dynamics in aquatic ecosystems and their terrestrial catchment; aquatic ecotoxicology of freshwater food webs; and participatory environmental research through Citizen Science. The research contributes to improved prediction of environmental change and the development of sustainable measures to protect and restore our freshwater ecosystems. Knowledge about the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity is shared with the international research community through an extensive student education program.

WasserCluster Lunz is an Austrian inter-university research center supported in equal parts by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU Vienna), the University for Continuing Education Krems, and the University of Vienna. The research center is financed by the Provincial Government of Lower Austria and the Municipality of Vienna. Based on the unique co-operation of three universities, WasserCluster Lunz creates the basis for excellence in research and education and is a key player in national and international cooperation with the ultimate goal of protecting and securing aquatic ecosystems for future generations.