(Vienna, 23 April 2026) Today’s official completion of the Centre for Translational Medicine (CTM) marks another significant milestone for Vienna as a centre for medicine and research. Representatives from the worlds of science, healthcare and politics – including Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner and City Councillor Peter Hacker – paid tribute to the completion of one of Austria’s most modern research buildings at the site of University Hospital Vienna (AKH) and MedUni Vienna.
The CTM comprises around 14,000 square metres of floor space and offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for translational medicine. In addition to innovative research groups, the building houses laboratory space, a biobank and facilities for bioinformatics and preclinical research. The aim is to rapidly translate scientific findings into clinical application, thereby enabling patients to benefit more quickly from medical progress.
"With the completion of the CTM, we are taking a decisive step for the future of medical research in Austria. The building creates the ideal conditions for bringing innovations from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside more quickly," emphasises Herwig Wetzlinger, Director of the University Hospital Vienna (AKH). Markus Müller, Rector of MedUni Vienna and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of University Hospital Vienna (AKH), also highlights the significance of the project: "With the Centre for Translational Medicine, we are creating a place where basic science and clinical practice work together directly. The centre offers the entire chain from experimental laboratory research to clinical Phase I/II research under one roof, thereby accelerating the transfer of scientific findings into concrete improvements for patients."
Politicians have highlighted the importance of the CTM for Austria as a research hub and for high-quality patient care. Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research, highlighted the societal benefits arising from the combination of basic research, clinical expertise and healthcare practice, whilst Peter Hacker, Acting City Councillor for Social Affairs, Health and Sport, emphasised Vienna’s role as an international health and research hub. Stefan Gara, spokesperson for digitalisation at NEOS Vienna, also highlighted the importance of the CTM as a forward-looking investment in research, innovation and high-performing healthcare. The CTM builds a bridge between basic research and clinical practice. The infrastructure is designed to develop and test new therapies and medicines to the highest quality standards, including GMP conditions.
Today’s ceremony marks the transition from the construction phase to the final commissioning. Over the coming months, the research areas will be gradually occupied and brought into operation, leading up to the official opening on 1 October 2026.