Many of the specialized topics and independent research findings developed in Raumberg-Gumpenstein contribute significantly to the development of Austrian agriculture and are also taken up by professional associations, politicians, businesses, and decision-makers. In addition to the many distinguished guests who accepted the invitation, numerous personalities from business, politics, education, and the ministries of agriculture, agriculture, tourism, and science (BMLRT and BMBWF) were welcomed. Among the honored guests were many graduates of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, which underscores the importance of this institution.
Professional background
Exactly 45 years ago, Toni Hausleitner was accepted into the federal civil service, specifically into the department for barn climate technology and animal welfare at the then Federal Research Institute Gumpenstein.
He was subsequently appointed to the official title of Auditor, then Senior Auditor, Office Secretary, Senior Councilor, and finally Court Councilor. In 1997, he became Head of Department for Barn Climate Control 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, alongside his full-time professional work, he studied law and in 1998 completed his doctorate in law with a dissertation on "Animal Welfare in Austria." He thus learned everything from the ground up and is still considered a proven expert in the fields of barn climate control, building and zoning law, and animal welfare. His 17 years as a very active member of the Austrian Animal Welfare Council attest to this.
Raumberg-Gumpenstein was formed from "Raumberg School" and "Gumpenstein Research"
During his tenure, the two institutions, "Raumberg School" and "Gumpenstein Research," were merged with the goals of cooperation and synergy under a shared administration and Direktion. Today, this integration of teaching and research can still rightly be considered one of the flagship projects of the Raumberg-Gumpenstein institution. Significant progress was also made in the research field under his leadership, and the head of research, Dr. Johann Gasteiner, expressed his gratitude for the trust and freedom that made the developments and successes achieved so far possible. As a result, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein has achieved national leadership and international recognition in many of its core areas, such as grassland and cultural landscape research, agricultural climate change impact research, animal welfare and the use of digitalization in farm animals, eco-efficiency, and even the topic of large predators/wolves—to name just a few of the flagship projects.
Activities and achievements
During his time as a responsible leader, a large number of construction projects were undertaken. Besides numerous necessary building renovations, the construction of the new cattle research barn in 2010, the new dormitory and double gymnasium in 2016, and, most recently, the new building for the Biology Institute at Morhof are just a few of his projects that extend far into the future.
The ceremony was concluded by Presidential Chief SL DDr. Reinhard Mang/BMLRT, who praised the achievements of Toni Hausleitner and then appointed Dr. Johann Gasteiner as interim head of the Raumberg-Gumpenstein House.
He thanked former Direktor Toni Hausleitner for his services and wished him well with the sentence:
“Vita est tempus optimus hominis – Life is the best time of man”
All the best for your retirement and good health.
