Many of the specialist topics and independent research results developed in Raumberg-Gumpenstein contribute significantly to the development of Austrian agriculture and are also taken up by professional associations, politics and business as well as decision-makers. In addition to the many special guests who accepted this invitation, numerous personalities from business, politics, the school system and the ministries BMLRT and BMBWF were welcomed. The guests of honor included numerous graduates of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which particularly underlined the importance of this institution.
Professional background
Exactly 45 years ago, Toni Hausleitner was accepted into federal service, specifically in the department for stable climate technology and animal welfare at what was then the Gumpenstein Federal Research Institute.
This was followed by the appointment of the official title of revident, then senior revident, official secretary, senior councilor and finally court councilor. In 1997 he became department head for stable climate technology and animal welfare, in 2005 he was appointed deputy director and head of research and innovation and in 2014 Toni Hausleitner was appointed Direktor of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. From 1987 to 1994, in addition to his full-time job, he studied law and in 1998 completed his doctorate in law on the subject of “Animal Welfare in Austria”. He learned everything from scratch and is still considered a proven expert in the areas of stable climate technology, building and zoning law and animal protection. 17 years as a very active member of the Austrian Animal Welfare Council bear witness to this.
The “Raumberg School” and “Gumpenstein Research” became Raumberg-Gumpenstein
During his time, the two institutions “Raumberg School” and “Research Gumpenstein” were brought together with the goals of cooperation and synergy under a common administration and Direktion . Today, this combination of teaching and research can still rightly be described as one of the flagship projects of the Raumberg-Gumpenstein house. Under his leadership, significant priorities were also set in the research area and the head of research, Dr. Johann Gasteiner thanked us for the trust and freedom that made the previous developments and successes possible. The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein was able to achieve national leadership and international attention in many of its core topics, such as grassland and cultural landscape research, agricultural climate change impact research, animal welfare and the use of digitalization in farm animals and eco-efficiency right up to the topic of large predators/ Wolf theme, to name just a few of the lead projects.
Activities and achievements
During his time as responsible manager, a large number of construction activities were undertaken. In addition to numerous necessary building renovations, the new construction of the cattle research stable in 2010, of course the new construction of the boarding school and the double hall in 2016 or, most recently, the new construction of the organic institute building at Morhof, are just a few of his projects that stretch far into the future.
The ceremony was concluded by Presidential Chief SL DDr. Reinhard Mang/BMLRT, who paid tribute to Toni Hausleitner's achievements and then Dr. Johann Gasteiner was appointed interim head of the Raumberg-Gumpenstein house.
He thanked Direktor a. D. Toni Hausleitner for his achievements and wished with the sentence:
“Vita est tempus optimus hominis – Life is man’s most beautiful time”
all the best for your retirement and good health.
