(Timișoara/Vienna, 06 May 2026) Rudolf Valenta of the Medical University of Vienna has been awarded the title of ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’ by the Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara. The Romanian university is thereby honouring his internationally recognised scientific achievements in allergology and immunology, as well as his collaboration with the Timișoara site, which has been ongoing for more than 15 years.
The ceremonial conferral took place on 27 April 2026 and was hosted by the university management of the Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In its tribute, the university emphasises that Rudolf Valenta has significantly shaped modern allergy research through his work on recombinant allergens for diagnosis and therapy. Particular emphasis is also placed on his contributions to the development of molecular vaccines and his influence on molecular precision in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Another key reason for the award is his long-standing cooperation with Timișoara. According to the university, Rudolf Valenta has provided significant support over many years to the establishment of molecular allergology and allergen immunotherapy locally. In this context, particular mention is made of the development of academic and clinical structures, including the Department of Molecular Allergology and the recently opened Unit for Allergology and Clinical Immunology at the “Pius Brînzeu” County Clinical Emergency Hospital.
In terms of content, the collaboration is closely linked to research into allergic diseases, particularly with regard to ragweed allergy, which is a major health problem in Romania.
At the award ceremony, Rudolf Valenta emphasised that scientific cooperation between Austria and Romania in the field of precision medicine for allergic diseases should be further deepened. A key focus here is on the development of improved diagnostic procedures and a safer and more effective molecular vaccine against ragweed allergy.
The award also serves as a symbol of the close ties between Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Medical University of Vienna. Among the guests of honour at the event was Rudolf Mallinger, who himself holds an honorary doctorate from this university and has contributed to bilateral academic cooperation for many years. Also present was the Austrian Honorary Consul in Timișoara, Georg Bardeau.
About the recipient
Rudolf Valenta is an allergist at the Medical University of Vienna and heads the Division of Immunopathology at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research within the Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology. He studied at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Vienna, qualified as a professor in General and Experimental Pathology, and is board-certified in Pathophysiology and Immunology. He has been a professor of allergology at MedUni Vienna since 2004. His scientific work has had a significant impact on molecular allergy diagnostics and the development of new therapeutic approaches. The honorary doctorate now awarded to him recognizes both, his scientific achievements and his lasting contribution to international academic exchange.