Specializing in infectious disease research, the Ignaz Semmelweiss Institute is a joint venture between the MedUni Vienna, the MedUni Graz, the MedUni Innsbruck, the Johannes Kepler University Linz, and the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. The institute focuses on conducting research into infectious diseases to not only improve our understanding of pathogens and illnesses, but also improve treatment and vaccines.

Florian Krammer, the head of the new institute, explains: “Each year, infectious diseases are responsible for millions of deaths around world; these diseases can significantly impact human health and society. In addition to current issues regarding infectious diseases, there will always be new challenges ahead. We are likely to experience more frequent outbreaks and new-pathogen pandemics on account of climate change, our dependency on animals (as we produce more animal-based foods), the way we are destroying habitats, and just in the interconnected nature of the modern world.”

In an effort to improve our understanding of pathogens and diseases – as well as develop countermeasures such as therapeutics and vaccines - the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute aims to address and tackle these various challenges by means of conducting base-knowledge and translational research on infectious diseases under the perspective of One Health/Planetary Health.

Florian Krammer added: “Our expertise ranges from epidemiology, infection biology, molecular virology, innate and adaptive immunity, and diagnostics to creating treatments and vaccines. Our interdisciplinary approach allows us synergistically work towards solving new challenges in the field of infectious diseases and focus on globally important pathogens, as well as pathogens specific to Europe and Austria, giving us an international and a local perspective.”

The Institute's activities also focus on preparing for - and fighting - pandemics. The Institute is committed to responding promptly - and in coordination with national and international partners - to public health emergencies of international interest (PHEIC) and any new, emerging pandemics.

In partnership with the new Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Science Outreach and Pandemic Preparedness (LBI-SOAP) and in an effort to involve the public in various aspects of infection research, members of the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will especially focus on science communication. The institute will also work on educating the next generation of infectious disease researchers by offering educational programs at various levels, including internships for high school students, programs for graduate students, PhD candidates, post-docs, and young educators. Plans also include a special student seminar series, as well as launching a PhD program focusing on infection biology and establishing a mentoring system to support students and junior faculty members.

The new institute will involve the Medical University of Vienna, the Medical University of Graz, the Medical University of Innsbruck, the Johannes Kepler University Linz, and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.

Participating Researchers:
Florian Krammer, MedUni Vienna
Doris Wilflingseder, Vet Medical University
Subhra K. Biswas, Med Uni Graz
Peter Willeit, MedUni Innsbruck
Helmut Salzer, JKU Linz

Homepage: www.semmelweisinstitute.ac.at, opens an external URL in a new window