The institute’s research focuses extend from synthesis of biologically active compounds to production of functional prepolymers and the development of new synthesis methods.
It also uses biotechnological processes to produce starting materials for the manufacture of highly functionalised products. These fermentation processes convert aromatic compounds into the corresponding cyclohexanediols, which are valuable chiral components for synthesis projects.
Basic and applied research
Teaching plays a major and central role at the Institute of Applied Chemistry. The institute manages the English-language Applied Chemistry bachelor degree programme, and has also started offering creative, tailor-made continuing education, training and development programmes for people working in the chemical industry. The first of these is the Surface Technology course, and others are in the pipeline.
The Institute of Applied Chemistry acts as a bridge between basic and applied research. Its staff regularly field enquiries regarding contract research and are available to provide consulting services.
“Integrating the latest research topics into teaching is vital because it enables students to pursue successful careers in chemistry. And teaching them about responsible use of resources and protection of the environment is just as important.”
Uwe Rinner, Head of the Institute of Applied Chemistry
About Uwe Rinner
Professor Uwe Rinner studied chemistry at Graz University of Technology. He wrote his PhD thesis in the field of natural product synthesis at the University of Florida, before moving to Brock University in Canada to take up a postdoctoral position. After returning to Austria, he headed a research group at the University of Vienna. During this time he taught as an external lecturer at IMC Krems, and also at Johannes Kepler University Linz where he received his postdoctoral teaching qualification. Professor Rinner was an Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, for three years. In 2018, he set up the Applied Chemistry programme at IMC Krems and has been Head of the Institute of Applied Chemistry at the university since 2022.
