Universitas semper reformanda Universities are a mirror image of political and societal development. How true this is we see on this impressive and no less amusing foray through the almost 350-year history of the University of Innsbruck. Reforms ushered in new developments, with the pace steadily quickening throughout the last century. The University Act of 2002 introduced radical changes in organizational structure. One of these changes brought a transformation after 335 years, namely the Medical Faculty was made a medical university in its own right. Learning to act like an entrepreneur, throwing your doors open to the world and networking with it, spanning a bridge between academics and society are just a few of the other challenges encountered at the beginning of the 21st century. Brilliant scientific achievements of historic and modern times, university landmarks throughout the city, and the vital signs of student life in Innsbruck are presented in this pictorial tour, just as are the dark chapters of a politically compliant university. Stories, anecdotes and numerous illustrations bring to life the birth and formative years of an institution that has done so much to shape Innsbruck and Tyrol.