The Commission for Interdisciplinary Ecological Studies of the Austrian Academy of Sciences deals with complex ecological questions which require the cooperation of various scientific disciplines. Members from both the natural sciences and the humanities are represented in KIÖS. Priority is given to issues requiring the cooperation beyond the boundaries of institutes, faculties, universities and institutions.

The scientific activities of KIÖS focus on the documentation of the biodiversity and bioresources in Austria, studies on their evolution and ecology as well as on interdisciplinary ecological long-term studies which are of particular interest in view of global change. In the context of biodiversity research specific taxonomic, eco-geographical, phylogenetic and evolutionary investigations are conducted. Particular emphasis is placed on the synthesis of organismic and molecular results. Apart from fundamental scientific research and the documentation of biodiversity, the tasks of KIÖS include advisory service for the scientific and political community on complex ecological issues as well as public relations.

KIÖS publishes inter- and transdisciplinary scientific reports in the INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES book series. In addition, it publishes the CATALOGUS FLORAE AUSTRIAE, the CATALOGUS NOVUS FAUNAE AUSTRIAE, the CHECKLISTS OF THE AUSTRIAN FAUNA as well as GENERAL SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES within the BIOSYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY SERIES.

The scientific events of KIÖS are named after the important Austrian natural scientist Kerner von Marilaun. The Kerner von Marilaun events support the development of new approaches and cooperations in the field of ecological long-term studies.

In the Kerner von Marilaun lectures and seminars current issues of interdisciplinary ecological research are presented to the scientific community and the interested public. Scientific studies and services for public and private clients are financed by third-party funds. The members of KIÖS are associated with numerous national and international scientific boards.