Prof. Hötzenecker remarked: "As a Linz native I am especially pleased to be appointed as chair of dermatology and venereology at the JKU. The development of the Faculty of Medicine in Linz is remarkable success story. As a new chair, I believe it is important to contribute to the faculty’s growth by continuing to further develop this fairly new school."

Wolfram Hötzenecker acquired international experience in medical education and research at dermatological clinics at universities in Tübingen and Zurich as well as at renowned Harvard University in Boston (USA). He would now like to bring his expertise to the JKU Faculty of Medicine: "My goal is to continue expanding dermatology in Linz at an academic level as well as strengthen basic and translational research in the field of immunodermatology."

Focus on Immunobiology and Medical Technology
Hötzenecker's research focuses on cutaneous immunobiology (in association with the development of white skin cancer) and allergology (drug reactions). Plans include, among other things, creating a biobank in Linz for inflammatory skin diseases to provide new insight into developing cutaneous drug reactions and creating new treatments. Hötzenecker added: "This project in Linz will serve as a type of ‘beacon function’ in the field of clinical immunology by positioning Linz internationally, particularly in regard to innovative treatments." These research areas also correspond to the Faculty of Medicine’s research priorities of patient care and geriatric medicine.

An additional priority is in the area of medical informatics/medical technology to conduct research on computer-assisted models and make predictions about the course and prognosis of cancer at the onset. This information is vital for patients and doctors in order to decide on treatment options (‘wait and see’ vs. aggressive chemotherapy) as well as create an individual treatment program.

A particularly innovative research project in the field of medical technology focuses on developing microsensors to prevent and treat chronic wounds. Hötzenecker explained: "We plan to develop innovative, cost-effective and ecological sensor systems for intelligent hygiene and wound-care products as well as high-precision pressure-sensitive sensor mats and textiles for pressure ulcer prevention, thus significantly improving the quality of life of patients who have bed sores."

In order to conduct this research, he plans to work closely with, among others, the Institute for Experimental Physics at the JKU as well as with industrial partners. Pooling interdisciplinary skills in medicine, research and business will digitize and optimize the cost-intensive area of nursing.

Christine Haberlander, minister of health and deputy governor, remarked: "Three years ago, the Kepler University Hospital was fortunate enough to attract an internationally renowned physician such as Prof. Wolfram Hötzenecker, and now he has been appointed at the Faculty of Medicine. His work is distinguished by a long series of renowned publications, clinical studies, honors, and awards. As deputy dean of research, he has also already proven that he is not only highly competent in his field, but also willing to play an active and creative role in growing the Faculty of Medicine."

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas noted: "I am extremely pleased that the Johannes Kepler University has succeeded in bringing Wolfram Hötzenecker to the Faculty of Medicine to chair the Department of Dermatology and Venerology. He has considerable clinical experience, outstanding skills, and professional experience at the interface of base-knowledge and applied research. His research projects in the fields of medical technology, medical informatics and healthcare research are of particular interest to the JKU as a whole."

Vice-Rector Elgin Drda is pleased about the appointment of the tenth clinical chair at the JKU Faculty of Medicine: "As deputy dean of research, Prof. Hötzenecker is committed to further developing the Faculty of Medicine, particularly in his field of dermatology by demonstrating innovative research approaches that could potentially improve a patient’s quality of life. He will pass his research findings on to our students and train a new generation of dermatologists."

Franz Harnoncourt, managing director at the Kepler University Hospital, added: "As a universally esteemed primarius at our institution, I am very pleased that Prof. Hötzenecker was very ambitious during the appointment procedure. As a physician and deputy dean of research, Prof. Hötzenecker believes in the Faculty of Medicine in Linz, enthusiastically shaping this success story from the very start. Advancing his clinic to a university department at the hospital was a project close to his heart."

About Univ. Prof. DDr. Wolfram Hötzenecker

Born on August 29, 1978 in Linz, Hötzenecker completed his medical degree and doctoral studies in molecular biology at the University of Vienna (double educational training "Dermatology and Venereology" and "Allergology and Clinical Immunology"). In addition, he earned two additional qualifications in "Phlebology" and "Drug-Only Tumor Therapy" at dermatological clinics at the universities of Tübingen and Zurich. At Harvard University in Boston (USA), he conducted research in the fields of arthritis and immunology. He earned his post-doc/habilitation at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) in 2014.
Wolfram Hötzenecker is married and has an eight-year-old son.
In his free time, the former Vienna Boys' Choir member enjoys singing.