Alliance for Health: MedUni and Ages start new research initiative!

Alliance for Health: MedUni and Ages start new research initiative!

The Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) and the Austrian Agency for Health and Nutritional Safety (AGE) have intensified their cooperation. On March 18, 2025, both institutions signed a cooperation agreement that aims to promote joint research and development projects. This initiative reacts to growing challenges in the area of ​​one-health, including new pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the need to strengthen the prevention of non-transferable diseases. Johannes Pleiner-Duxneuner, the managing director of the Ages, emphasized: "In times of increasing global health risks, strong partnerships are particularly important to promote research and innovation." This partnership should not only strengthen the research landscape in Vienna, but also contribute to improving public health. According to Markus Müller, Rector of the MedUni Vienna, the development of medication and medical devices is promoted through the close cooperation and the recruitment of young scientists is supported.

focus on infectious diseases

The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute was launched at the beginning of 2025, an interdisciplinary center for the research of infectious diseases that promotes cooperation between several Austrian universities. This institute aims to develop innovative solutions for future pandemic care. Florian Krammer, head of the institute, said: "Our plan is to establish the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute as an internationally leading research institution in the field of infectious diseases." The focus is on the integration of young scientists: inside, networking with international research networks and the implementation of directional studies on pandemic care, whereby the connection between human medicine and veterinary point of view is emphasized in order to deepen the understanding of zoonoses.

Martin Polaschek, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, emphasized that the institute will make an important contribution to society's health security. The close cooperation between the universities should not only expand the knowledge of infectious diseases, but also create a platform from which new therapeutic strategies can be developed. This is done in the context of a "one health" approach that is essential for dealing with future health challenges. According to Rector Wolfgang Fleischhacker, the joint approach of the universities will ensure that research results are quickly implemented into practical measures.

Ages reported that this basic research in the area of ​​clinical studies is further strengthened internationally. In connection with the research activities of the new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, Austria will significantly improve its position in global health research. This is in accordance with the goals of both organizations that want to promote both science and public health, as is MediGini Wien describes.