The Uri Institute Cultures of the Alps has established itself in Altdorf in the 2019-2022 start-up phase. After the electorate of Uri approved the education law and thus enabled financial support for the institute, the Cantonal Council of Uri decided to make an annual financial contribution. The institute became permanent on January 1, 2023. As an affiliated institute of the University of Lucerne, it is a separate institution, but is linked to the University of Lucerne in terms of personnel and organization, and most of the academic theses written at the Graduate School Cultures of the Alps are also affiliated with the University of Lucerne.
The Uri Institute Cultures of the Alps is financed by the Canton of Uri, the Dätwyler Foundation, the Corporation of Uri and the Corporation of Ursern. All donors guarantee the freedom of scientific research by supporting the institute through the Uri Science Foundation, which is anchored in the canton. The Foundation Board is made up of Ruth Wipfli Steinegger (President), Dr. Ivo Schillig (Vice President), Hansrudolf Schurter, Kurt Schuler (as representative of the Corporation of Uri) and Carolin Mazzolini-Regli (as representative of the Corporation of Urseren).
The Scientific Advisory Board has supported and promoted the strategic orientation, institutional cooperation and personal networks as well as individual projects of the Uri Institute Cultures of the Alps since the beginning. It consists of Prof. em. Dr. Jon Mathieu, Prof. Dr. Nelly Valsangiacomo and Dr. Cordula Seger.
