Analytical chemistry is the science of acquiring, processing and communicating information regarding the composition and structure of matter (quoted from the American Chemical Society). Chemists who not only possess a broad understanding and skills to develop new analytical methods but also understand the use of sophisticated analytical instruments are indispensable in various areas, such as environmental chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, food chemistry, clinical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Analytical data can greatly impact other scientific disciplines and are significantly important to our society.

Based on recent surveys regarding the employment rate of chemistry graduates, analytical chemistry is among the most prevalent areas of employment within this group of individuals. Consequently, a university's instruction in analytical chemistry has to ensure a high-quality skill set after graduation. Education at an internationally recognized scholarly level can only be attained by bringing teaching and research together as practiced by a university.

The Institute of Analytical Chemistry offers expertise in all areas of organic analysis and organic trace analysis, based on the availability of modern instrumentation for gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. In addition to basic research, cooperation with industrial partners is pursued. Lectures and laboratory courses in analytical chemistry are offered at Bachelor / Master / PhD level for various programs such as Technical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Members of the institute represent Austria in international chemical societies, are present in scientific committees of international conferences, or are active as editors for scientific journals, thus ensuring that the JKU is highly visible in the scientific community.