# Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle
**Wikidata**: [Q1240967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1240967)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alpen-adria-universitat-klagenfurt-ferdinand-tonnies-arbeitsstelle

## Summary
The Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle (FTA) is a research institute associated with the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt. It operates as an organization dedicated specifically to generating new knowledge through systematic investigation. Formerly based in Germany, the institute has been located in Austria since 2003.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: FTA
- **Type**: Research Institute
- **Current Location**: Austria (-started 2003-)
- **Former Location**: Germany (1982–2003)
- **Coordinates**: 46.61438888888889, 14.26275
- **Website**: https://www.aau.at/sts/
- **ISNI**: 000000012160563X
- **VIAF ID**: 132349683
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2011105628
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/1211q2t7
- **Wikipedia Languages**: German

## FAQs
### What is the primary function of the Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle?
The organization is classified as a research institute, meaning its primary purpose is to conduct research and generate new knowledge rather than providing undergraduate education or commercial services.

### Where has the Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle been located throughout its history?
The institute was originally based in Germany starting in 1982. In 2003, it relocated its operations to Austria, where it is currently situated at the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt.

### How is the organization identified in library and knowledge systems?
The institute is tracked under several international identifiers, including the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) 000000012160563X, the Library of Congress Authority ID no2011105628, and the German National Library's GND system, which categorizes its parent class (research institute) under ID 4017909-6.

## Why It Matters
As a specialized research institute, the Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle serves as a dedicated engine for discovery, distinct from the teaching-focused mission of universities. By operating as a standalone entity focused purely on investigation, it allows researchers to pursue specific academic inquiries without the distractions of administrative or educational obligations. The institute's longevity—spanning from 1982 in Germany to its current iteration in Austria—demonstrates a sustained commitment to its specific field of study. Its recognition in major library catalogs and authority files underscores its relevance as a distinct node in the global landscape of scientific organizations.

## Notable For
- **Transnational History**: Operating across two distinct national contexts, with a 21-year tenure in Germany followed by its establishment in Austria.
- **Specialized Focus**: Being an operational entity dedicated strictly to research, as opposed to a membership-based scientific society.
- **Academic Integration**: Maintaining a dedicated web presence within the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt domain (aau.at).
- **Unique Identification**: Possessing a distinct set of persistent identifiers (VIAF, ISNI, GND) that differentiate it from general university departments.

## Body

### Organizational Classification
The Ferdinand-Tönnies-Arbeitsstelle (FTA) is structurally defined as a **research institute**. This classification distinguishes it from universities, which balance teaching and research, and commercial entities that may pursue research for profit. As an operational entity, it exists specifically to conduct systematic investigation. In library cataloging systems, it is mapped to `schema.org/ResearchOrganization` and identified by the Geonames feature code `S.ITTR` for geographic identification.

### Geographic and Institutional History
The institute has a distinct operational history involving a change in national jurisdiction:
*   **Germany (1982–2003)**: The organization was active in Germany for approximately 21 years.
*   **Austria (2003–Present)**: The institute subsequently moved its operations to Austria.
The physical coordinates for the institute are **46.61438888888889 latitude and 14.26275 longitude**. It is currently affiliated with the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt.

### Identification and Authority Control
The FTA is registered in multiple global knowledge graphs and library authorities, ensuring its distinct recognition in academic metadata.
*   **ISNI**: 000000012160563X
*   **VIAF ID**: 132349683
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2011105628 (referenced as of 2019-03-06)
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/1211q2t7
The entity has a presence on German Wikipedia (`de`), reflecting its linguistic and regional relevance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File