Established in 1977, the Center for Austrian Studies is the Western Hemisphere's oldest and best-known research center focusing on the past, present, and future of Austria and the successor states of the Habsburg Empire.

The Center for Austrian Studies:

• serves as an international leader in promoting new scholarship about Austria and Central Europe across disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences, the fine arts, and international business management
• connects scholars, students, and an international community to resources in Austria, Central Europe, the EU, and Minnesota
• reaches out to students, scholars, and an international community of educated nonacademics, bringing an awareness of Austria and the new Europe and its relevance to American life
• enriches the teaching mission of the University and the College of Liberal Arts by connecting its research and outreach programs with classroom opportunities for students