
(Vienna/Graz/Innsbruck/Linz, 21 January 2025) The new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute started its work at the beginning of 2025. This facility in the field of infection research is a merger of the Medical Universities of Vienna, Innsbruck and Graz, the Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. The institute is dedicated to researching infectious diseases in order to better understand pathogens and diseases and to promote the development of countermeasures such as therapeutics and vaccines. At a press event in Vienna with Federal Minister Martin Polaschek and representatives of the rectorates of the participating universities and researchers from the institute, the institute's areas of activity and objectives were presented.
The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute aims to establish itself as a leading international research institution for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness by developing innovative solutions with an excellent, interdisciplinary team. Over the next few years, the focus will be on the structural development of the institute, the recruitment of young scientists, integration into international networks and the implementation of pioneering research on pandemic preparedness.
Martin Polaschek: Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research: “With the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, we are creating a pioneering instrument that will sustainably strengthen Austria as a research and health location. This unique joint project, which was launched by the federal government as part of the 'Uni-Med-Impuls 2030' program, combines cutting-edge research and medical training at the highest level. Thanks to the close cooperation between the universities and international networking, we are not only setting new standards in infection research, but also making a direct contribution to the health security of our society. In the laboratories and on the desks of the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, new scientific findings are turned into concrete solutions for people's health.”
Andrea Kurz, Rector of the Medical University of Graz: “Ignaz Semmelweis proved that facts save lives - even if society still had doubts at the time. We are facing similar challenges today: Infectious diseases threaten us, and scientific skepticism makes progress more difficult. Our new institute, a consortium of five universities, combines human and veterinary medicine to gain knowledge and develop and refine solutions. Science is not a luxury, but our strongest weapon - it deserves trust because it protects us all.”
Florian Krammer, virologist at MedUni Vienna and Head of the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute: “Our plan is to establish the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute as a leading international research institution in the field of infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. We have an excellent team at the start, made up of specialists from various areas of infection research who complement each other. This allows us to look at problems from different angles, which leads to innovative research and problem solving. The focus of the next few years will now be to build up the institute structurally - including our own institute building - to recruit young and dynamic scientists who want to do research with us and to integrate us into international networks. And, of course, to conduct innovative and useful research in the field of infection biology that will prepare us optimally for future pandemics.”
Doris Wilflingseder, infectiologist at Vetmeduni: “Modern science is a network. Efficient research today is only possible if you think in an interdisciplinary way and act across institutional boundaries. In this respect, I am delighted that the new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute combines the expertise of veterinary medicine and human medicine. In line with the One Health concept, we will jointly focus on the mechanisms of zoonoses and research the transmission of diseases between animals and humans even more closely. So that we are better prepared for the next pandemic.”
Markus Müller, Rector of MedUni Vienna: “The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will be developed into an internationally visible research center for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. The focus will be on epidemiology, monitoring pathogens and the development of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic procedures. An in-depth molecular biological understanding of infectious pathogens enables risks to be identified at an early stage and targeted measures to be developed. Strong international collaborations will also ensure that research results can be quickly translated from the experimental setting into practical applications.”
Stefan Koch, Rector of JKU Linz: “The significant rise in infectious diseases in recent years is due to factors such as global mobility, climate change, antibiotic resistance and increasing skepticism about vaccination. The resulting negative effects on society and the economy will continue to present us with major challenges in the future. The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute enables us to work closely with other universities in infection research and will make a valuable contribution to understanding new pathogens and developing effective treatments against infectious diseases.”
Petra Winter, Rector of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna: “We live in a networked world. When it comes to infectious diseases, this means that many infectious pathogens can occur in both animals and humans and can be transmitted in both directions. The only sensible response to this is the networking of human and veterinary medicine, as has been realized in the new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute. Only an interdisciplinary research approach under the motto One Health will enable a better understanding of pathogens, their spread and the rapid development of appropriate medicines and preventive measures.”
Wolfgang Fleischhacker, Rector of the Medical University of Innsbruck: “The corona pandemic has clearly shown us how important the availability of health data on the Austrian general population is for scientific research. Researchers at the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will plan and conduct epidemiological and clinical studies. These should enable the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. This will better equip us for future challenges.”