The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will start work at the beginning of 2025. This new institute with a focus on infection biology and pandemic preparedness is a collaboration between MedUni Vienna, MedUni Graz, MedUni Innsbruck, Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. The institute is dedicated to infectious disease research in order to achieve a better understanding of pathogens and diseases as well as the development of countermeasures such as therapeutics and vaccines.
"Infectious diseases can have a significant impact on human health and society and are responsible for millions of deaths globally every year," explains Florian Krammer, the head of the new institute, "in addition to the existing issues with infectious diseases, there are new challenges. Climate change, the increasing interdependence of humans and animals due to the increased production of animal-based foods, the destruction of habitats and the interconnectedness of the modern world are likely to lead to more frequent outbreaks and pandemics with new pathogens."
The mission of the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute is to address these challenges with basic and translational research on infectious diseases from a One Health/Planetary Health perspective to achieve a better understanding of pathogens and diseases and the development of countermeasures such as therapeutics and vaccines.
"Our expertise ranges from epidemiology and infection biology to molecular virology, innate and adaptive immunity, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine development. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to develop synergistic solutions to new challenges in the field of infectious diseases," explains Florian Krammer. "Our work focuses on pathogens of global importance as well as pathogens that are specific to the European region or to Austria, giving us an international and a local perspective."
Another important aspect of the Institute’s work is pandemic preparedness and response. The Institute is committed to responding to public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) and emerging pandemics in real time and in coordination with national and international partners.
A particular focus - in collaboration with the new Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Science Outreach and Pandemic Preparedness (LBI-SOAP) - will be placed on science communication to involve the public in all’aspects of infection research. The institute will also work to train the next generation of researchers in the field of infectious diseases. To this end, training programs will be offered at various levels, including internships for high school students, programs for master’s students, PhD students, postdocs and young teachers. A special seminar series for trainees is in preparation. In addition, the institute is planning a doctoral program with a focus on infection biology and the introduction of a mentoring system for trainees and junior faculty.
The Medical University of Vienna, the Medical University of Graz, the Medical University of Innsbruck, the Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna are involved in the new institute.
Researchers involved:
Florian Krammer, MedUni Vienna
Doris Wilflingseder, Vetmeduni
Subhra K. Biswas, MedUni Graz
Peter Willeit, MedUni Innsbruck
Helmut Salzer, JKU Linz
