Peter Marhofer takes up the professorship in paediatric anaesthesiology

Marhofer has headed the Paediatric Anaesthesia Unit at MedUni Vienna since 2004. There, children of various ages and weight categories from numerous paediatric surgical and medical specialities receive anaesthesia and intensive care. 

A key focus of his scientific work is regional anaesthesia in children. Since the 1990s, Marhofer and his research group have been working on the development of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia techniques and their application in the clinical care of children. Among other things, the aim is to reduce the use of opioids around surgical procedures, minimise perioperative risks and improve pain management. 

In the coming years, Marhofer intends to further develop these techniques and make greater use of them in paediatric anaesthesia. Other key areas of research include strategies for optimising post-operative pain management, the development of new locally anaesthetic drugs, and improving access to medicines for children of all age groups. 

Peter Marhofer obtained his PhD in 1991 and completed his specialist training at what was then the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Vienna. In 2000, he qualified as a specialist in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine and obtained his habilitation in the same year. In 2016, he was awarded the professional title of ‘University Professor’, and in 2025 he received the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and the Arts. 

Alongside research and clinical care, teaching forms another key focus of his work. In particular, his work centres on international teaching activities, as well as the training and development of the next generation of clinicians and researchers.