On the 1st of January, 2004, the Innsbruck Medical University became an independent university. Until then – and from its inception in 1669 - it had been part of the Leopold Franzens Universitaet Innsbruck. The Innsbruck Medical University is dedicated to the highest possible standards in research, teaching and patient care, and aims to establish itself over the next few years as one of Europe’s leading medical research and training institutions. In doing so it seeks to offer students the best opportunity for careers in medicine or medical research and teaching.