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."
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.
Vision and Mission – Our Roadmap for the Future
The Medical University of Vienna envisions “Outstanding health for all thanks to knowledge and innovation.”
By 2035, the university sees itself as an innovative and dynamic global leader in education and research, and as one of Europe’s most attractive biomedical employers.
The university defines three core tasks:
generating knowledge, conveying knowledge and putting knowledge to use.
Its employees’ innovations form the foundation for actively shaping the future of medicine.
The mission includes:
- actively shaping the future of medicine through excellent research with a focus on prevention and precision,
- strengthening its international position through outstanding researchers,
- using interdisciplinary approaches and international partnerships,
- maintaining high-quality teaching via new, internationally oriented degree programmes,
- fostering the next generation of world-class physicians,
- upholding equal opportunities and recognising individual achievement.
Our Values and Culture – The Guiding Principles and Foundations for Our Actions
We shape the future but never lose sight of our chequered history
The Medical University of Vienna is aware of its long and sometimes painful history, especially the period after 1938, which brings with it unique responsibilities.
The university actively opposes discrimination and anti-Semitism and promotes tolerance within society.
Empathy and enthusiasm – the driving forces behind our work
Empathy and enthusiasm shape all activities. Staff work compassionately for patients and pursue new directions in research and teaching, driven by a shared passion for excellence.
Our actions are defined by respect and an open mind
Respect, appreciation and equal opportunities are core elements of university culture.
The Medical University of Vienna upholds high ethical standards and supports personal development. Sustainability and responsible resource use are integral to its work.
Striving to gain insights, develop innovations and achieve excellence
The university promotes responsible thinking, creativity and innovation while delivering world-class research and precision medicine, often under challenging financial conditions.
Lived cooperation: building a positive working environment through close collaboration
Interdisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation defines the organisational culture, strengthening cohesion and creating a positive working environment.
Our Identity – How We See Ourselves
The Medical University of Vienna sees itself as:
- A teaching centre for tomorrow’s physicians and researchers, fostering innovation, excellence, and ethical responsibility.
- An attractive employer that promotes development, innovation and diversity.
- An attractive international community, drawing scientists and ideas from around the world.
- A dynamic centre of excellence that drives biomedical research nationally and internationally.
- An independent authority and point of contact, providing trusted expertise for the public on medical and scientific matters.
The university views excellence in teaching, research and healthcare as an obligation and continuously works to improve services and positively influence global medical development.
Our Strategy – How We Aim to Become One of Europe’s Top 10 Medical Schools
Research
The university focuses on selected specialisms to bundle knowledge and resources, strengthens basic and translational research, promotes international mobility, and advances open science.
Teaching
Teaching is based on modern, pioneering curricula that ensure outstanding educational quality.
Key elements include practice- and research-based training, student mobility, new master’s degrees and an MD/PhD programme, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Patient care
Following the “bench to bedside – and back again” principle, research flows rapidly into clinical care, while clinical insights enrich research.
The medical humanities help ensure that interventions consider ethical, anthropological and philosophical dimensions.
Science in dialogue with the public
The university actively promotes dialogue between science, medicine and society.
The aim is to strengthen health literacy and public understanding of medical issues, using events, participatory projects and new forms of science communication.
Our Brand Promise – Our Promise to Everyone Who Comes into Contact with Us
The Medical University of Vienna stands for:
- Learning from and studying with the best – in the world’s most liveable city.
- Being one of the world’s leading and most innovative medical universities.
- Generating the biomedical knowledge of the future.
- Focusing on people and their health, together with one of Europe’s largest hospitals.
- Providing excellent research and world-class medicine from Vienna.
- Generating, conveying and applying knowledge for a healthier future.