“Home to Theory that Matters.” That’s what they say about the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research. It stands as an international hub for advanced studies in life and sustainability sciences.
Founded in 1990, the Konrad Lorenz Institute is not named after its founder but after Konrad Lorenz. Lorenz’s work created an evolutionary approach to mind and cognition. The Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research supports biological theories. It explores their scientific, cultural, and social significance.
Initially, the institute resided in Lorenz’s family mansion in Altenberg until 2013. Now, it thrives in Klosterneuburg near Vienna. The Konrad Lorenz Institute unites fellows and visiting scholars. Students and external faculty also participate. A lecture and seminar series offers a platform. It’s for public discussion of current bioscience themes.
The Konrad Lorenz Institute receives funding from a private trust. Additional support comes from the Province of Lower Austria. It maintains close ties with higher education institutions in Vienna and Lower Austria. It also connects with international institutions sharing similar goals.
The Konrad Lorenz Institute supports theoretical research. Evolutionary developmental biology is supported. Evolutionary cognitive science and sustainability science also are. They all embrace an evolutionary approach. Fellowships are available for graduate students and postdocs. Visiting scientists can also apply for research projects. The Konrad Lorenz Institute organizes lecture series. It also hosts symposia and workshops.
The KLI Lab fosters informal talks and peer discussions. These primarily present ongoing work related to the institute’s aims. KLI Colloquia are regular events. Scholars from outside the Konrad Lorenz Institute give talks. They engage in discussions with KLI fellows.
Altenberg Workshops in Theoretical Biology focus on key issues. These include biology, cognition, behavior, or sustainability. Leading experts organize all workshops. They invite an international group of experts on the topic as participants. The Konrad Lorenz Institute sponsors the meetings. Organizers must create a book on the workshop topic. These edited books further develop novel ideas produced at the meeting.
The Konrad Lorenz Institute aims to generate new conceptual advances. These interdisciplinary advances attract scientists from various biology fields. MIT Press publishes accepted books as part of their “Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology”.
The Konrad Lorenz Institute hosts regular summer schools. These are part of the European Advanced School in the Philosophy of Life Sciences. “Evolution and Cognition” was published by the Konrad Lorenz Institute from 1995 to 2004.
Other Austrian institutions bear Konrad Lorenz’s name. The Konrad Lorenz Research Station in Gr\u00fcnau conducts research. The Konrad Lorenz Institute for Ethology in Vienna also researches. Both study behavioral ecology and animal cognition.
Priority is given to innovative projects that go beyond academic disciplines. The KLI offers a stimulating research environment for fellows, visitors, and students. It truly is a place where theory matters.