Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Birgit Sattler

Birgit Sattler is a limnologist at the University of Innsbruck, specialising primarily in cold habitats in the Alps and polar regions, as well as their microbial colonisation. Several research expeditions have contributed to a better understanding of the paradox of ‘life in the ice’. She is Austria’s delegate to the Antarctic Treaty and to SCAR (Scientific Council on Antarctic Research). Together with her research group, she has also been committed for several years to sharing knowledge with the younger generation, conveying the latest findings in a playful way to children and interested adults both within and outside the university.

o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Roland Psenner 

Roland Psenner is a full professor of limnology at the University of Innsbruck. His research focuses primarily on the effects of climate change on Alpine ecosystems. From 2010 to 2012, he headed the interdisciplinary research cluster “Alpine Region – People & Environment”, which he had established. He has also been actively involved in university policy and administration for many years. From 2001 to 2004, he served as Dean of Studies for the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and from 2008 to 2012 he headed the Faculty of Biology as dean. From 2012 to 2015, he was Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Students at the University of Innsbruck; since 2014, he has been President of Eurac Research, and since 2017 a member of the University Council at BOKU. Roland Psenner has published over 300 scientific papers, half of which appear in peer-reviewed journals indexed by Web of Science and have been cited over ten thousand times to date. He is also the author or co-author of 30 book chapters. He is co-editor of a book series on the Alpine region published by Innsbruck University Press, which currently comprises 14 volumes, and serves on the editorial boards of renowned specialist journals.