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Progress Starts in the Head: Strategy and Vision of the Medical University of Vienna

Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) is one of the longest-established medical education and research facilities in Europe. With almost 8,600 students, it is currently the largest medical training centre in the German-speaking countries. With more than 6,500 employees, 30 departments and two clinical institutes, 12 medical theory centres and numerous highly specialised laboratories, it is one of Europe's leading research establishments in the biomedical sector. MedUni Vienna also has a medical history museum, the Josephinum.


As one of the biggest medical universities in Europe, MedUni Vienna consistently strives to attract the brightest minds in order to further medical research, impart forward-thinking knowledge and ensure the best possible and most advanced care for patients.

“As a Medical University, we espouse the three main tasks acquire, pass on and apply knowledge. The innovations developed by our employees offer the conditions with which we can actively design the future of medicine."

Markus Müller Rector, Medical University of Vienna

An Academic System with Three Cornerstones

Due to its history, its size and its excellent performance in the field of medical science, the Medical University of Vienna is one of the most renowned medical universities in the world. MedUni Vienna is not only the largest medical organisation in Austria, it is also one of the most important top-level research institutions in Europe and provides Europe's largest hospital, the AKH in Vienna, with all of its medical staff.

The Triple Track consisting of research, education and patient care of MedUni Vienna

This simultaneous operation of research, education and patient care as equally important core tasks is called triple track strategy. The three cornerstones of research, education and the treatment of patients each contribute equally to the medical and scientific quality of the University. At MedUni Vienna they support and enrich each other and serve medical science in the sense of maintenance of health as well as prevention and abatement as well as therapy of diseases. Every one of these cornerstones is already rather large and multifaceted in itself. Due to the large number of scientists, physicians, teachers and students and the proximity to the patients a variety of exciting synergies, projects and experiences arise out of the relations between the tracks.


The Goals of MedUni Vienna

In order to meet the continuously increasing demands on a university of international renown, the medical faculty of the University of Vienna was transformed into the Medical University of Vienna in 2004. Through the triple-track orientation as a symbiosis of research, education and clinical work, medical science can flexibly adapt to a variety of needs and requirements on the part of the state and society.

MedUni Vienna in 2025

Every vision needs to be instilled with life: MedUni Vienna will remain one of the top universities in the global structure of academic and research institutions in the field of Human science - together with the researchers, professors, student and patients! In short, MedUni Vienna will continue to create, impart and apply knowledge: In the triple pack consisting of research, education and clinical treatment.

  • The Medical University of Vienna is a long-standing, international top university for medicine, as well as a research center and innovation driver for medical sciences - in the triad of the triple pack of research, education and patient care.
  • In 2025, the Medical University of Vienna belongs to the especially innovative, dynamic and globally known medical training and research institutions.
  • Apart from its role as the leading research and training institution for medical professionals in Austria, the Medical University of Vienna is also one the most attractive academic employers in Europe in the field of medicine.
  • The Medical University of Vienna belongs to the "Top Medical Schools" in Europe and has strengthened its position among the best medical schools in the world.
  • The Medical University of Vienna assumes a central role as a knowledge institution in Austria in the eyes of the political world as well as the informed general population.

Research as the Basis for High-End Medicine

MedUni Vienna disposes of excellent researchers in many fields. Their top performance and publications lead to a better position in international university rankings than ever before.

According to the "Times Higher Education Ranking", the world's most important ranking, MedUni Vienna is one of the best medical universities in the world and ranks among the top 100 in the "Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health" category.

Actively Shape the Development of Medicine

MedUni Vienna wants to build on the success of the last few years and has positioned itself well in the international competition for third-party funds and the brightest minds: With a brand development process designed to further sharpen MedUni Viennas profile; through the project "University Medicine Vienna 2020", which lead to a joint management of MedUni and Vienna General Hospital with improved use of synergies; through a further strengthening of international strategic cooperations; and through innovations in teaching, which will contribute to ensure the high quality of the medical curriculum.

Goals in Research

Research at MedUni Vienna is in the top layer on a global scale. These are general aims and sub-goals pursued by the 5 research clusters of MedUni Vienna!

Goals in Training & Teaching

Thousands of students are being trained to become the physicians of the future, at the highest level. These are the goals MedUni sets for itself in teaching!

Goals as an Employer

Knowledge is the most valuable commodity of MedUni Vienna – provided by researchers, professors, lecturers, employees etc. This knowledge needs the best possible basis!

Goals in the Operation of the Hospital

These are the goals pursued by MedUni Vienna in cooperation with the largest hospital in Europe in research, teaching and patient care.

Aims in Equal Opportunity for Women and Diversity

The Medical University of Vienna affirms its commitment to equal opportunity and fairness and rejects all forms of discrimination – also regarding the advancement of women.