This field of research encompasses
The nine inter-disciplinary networks participate in national and international cooperative programmes, also including various EU programmes. With both of the special research fields of the FWF (Austrian Science Fund) - molecular technology network and molecular imaging network - MedUni Vienna establishes a further focal point in relation to imaging procedures.
Molecular technology research Molecular technology is based on the new technologies: genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Integration into the GEN-AU project of the Federal Ministry of Science and Research (BMWF) exists as a result of the specially established Molecular Technology Network. IIt was in connection with this that the collective application by the Medical University of Vienna, the University of Vienna and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna was made for the professorship for bioinformatics, which was extended by the Vienna Science, Research and Technology Fund (WWTF). This is aimed at initiating an inter-disciplinary Viennese bioinformatics field.
Molecular imaging research Molecular imaging is a group of methods designed to facilitate the imaging of molecular processes. As opposed to traditional imaging methods, the purpose of this technique is not the anatomic visualisable endpoint of molecular changes, but representation of the physiological or pathophysiological changes on which this is based. In this field one differentiates between various effective methods for representing processes within the human body:- Excellence centre for high-field magnetic resonance (MR)Innovative non-invasive methodology for representing normal and pathological processes of the body- Computer supported diagnostics, navigation and roboticsRobotics: robotic supported biopsies and movement analyses (specifically in heart surgery)3D navigation: primarily to assist planning in relation to dental inplantology and the visual endoscope- Optical tomographyNon-invasive, three-dimensional imaging procedure with high resolution at cellular level to facilitate early medical diagnosis- Excellence centre for telemedicineUtilisation of telematics for the transmission of medical information- Ultrastructure research in cell biology and molecular medicineCombination of current cryotechnologies with high resolution transmission microscopy, electron microscopy and scanning microscopy as well as electron tomographyThe scope of this development plan foresees the first specific professorship for molecular imaging/woman imaging.Furthermore, this field of research also comprises a sub-unit for biomedical research in the form of the Österreichischen Zentrums für Biomodelle und Transgenetik (ÖZBT) [Austrian Centre for Biomodels and Transgenetics]. This centre is a cooperative venture of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, and the International Research Institute for Agricultural Technology in Tulln. The "Laboratory Animal Science and Laboratory Animal Genetics" unit in Himberg is jointly operated by both universities. Central tasks include the highest hygienic standards in relation to the breeding of laboratory animals as well as sub-aspects of phenotyping and cryopreservation.In the field of molecular bioscience a cooperation venture has been set up with the Department for Medical Biochemistry, which together with the individual departments of the faculties of Life Sciences and Chemistry of the University of Vienna builds a university cluster. In this respect, a forward looking joint development plan is to be formulated, after which the position of Chief Scientific Officer will be advertised. Another cooperation exists with the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CEMM) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, which concentrates on the interlinking of fundamental research and clinical applications. Particular focus is placed on research on the etiology and pathogenesis of specific disease patterns as well as fundamental research in biomedical diagnostics and therapy.
