As a joint effort between medical universities in Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz, and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the institute focuses on conducting research in the field of infectious diseases in effort to better understand pathogens and diseases and drive innovative treatments and vaccines forward. During a press conference in Vienna, Austrian Federal Minister Martin Polaschek and Rectorate representatives from the participating universities introduced the institute researchers, areas of activities, and objectives.

An outstanding interdisciplinary team aims to create innovative solutions and position the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, opens an external URL in a new window as a leading institute for international research on infectious diseases and pre-pandemic measures. In the coming years, the institute will focus on internal structuring, attracting junior researchers, joining international networks, and conducting pioneering research into pandemic prevention.

Martin Polaschek (Austrian Minister of Education, Science & Research): “As a pioneering initiative to sustainably strengthen Austria as a location of research and healthcare, the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute is a unique joint venture combining cutting-edge research and high-level medical education and launched by the federal government as part of the 'Uni-Med-Impuls 2030' program. By working closely with the universities and by building international networks, we are not only setting new standards in the field of infectious research, but also contributing directly to public health and safety. Researchers at the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute are turning new scientific findings into concrete solutions to improve public health.”

Andrea Kurz, Rector at the Medical University of Graz: “Ignaz Semmelweis proved that despite society's doubts at the time, facts save lives. We face similar challenges with infectious diseases today and scientific skepticism is making advancements more difficult. Our new institute, a consortium of five universities, brings human and veterinary medicine together to learn more and create viable solutions. Science is not a luxury; it’s our strongest weapon and deserves our trust as it protects all of us.”

Florian Krammer, a virologist at MedUni Vienna and head of the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute: “We plan to position the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute as an internationally pioneering research institution in the area of infectious diseases and preparing for pandemics. We have an outstanding team of infectious disease experts in place who complement one another, meaning we can approach problems from different angles and conduct innovative research to find solutions. Over the next few years, we will focus on internal structuring, constructing our own facilities, recruiting dynamic young researchers interested in working with us, and building an international network. And, of course, conducting innovative and effective research in the area of infectious biology to prepare us for future pandemics.”

Doris Wilflingseder, infectiologist at University of Veterinary Medicine: “Modern science is a network. Today, we can only conduct research efficiently by thinking in interdisciplinary terms and transcending institutional boundaries. In this respect, I am delighted that the new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute pools expertise in veterinary medicine and human medicine. In line with the One Health concept, we will work together to focus on zoonotic disease mechanisms and conduct more detailed research into how diseases are transmitted between animals and humans so we can be better prepared for the next pandemic.”

Markus Müller, Rector of the MedUni Vienna: “The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will become an internationally recognized research center for infectious diseases and pandemic prevention. By focusing on epidemiology, pathogen monitoring and developing diagnostic, preventive and treatment procedures, we will be able to better understand infectious pathogens in terms of molecular biology, identifying risks early on and devising targeted measures. Strong international partnerships can also ensure the rapid transfer of research findings from experimental settings to real-world applications.”

Stefan Koch, Rector at the JKU Linz: “Global mobility, climate change, resistance to antibiotics, and increasing skepticism towards vaccinations has contributed to the distinct rise of infectious diseases over the past few years. The resulting negative effects on both public health and safety and the economy will pose major challenges for us in the future. The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute allows us to work closely with other universities in the field of infectious disease research and the institute will contribute significantly to understanding new pathogens and creating effective treatments to combat infectious diseases.”

Petra Winter, Rector of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna: “We live in an interconnected world and when it comes to infectious diseases, we understand many infectious pathogens found in both animals and humans can be transmitted in both directions. The new Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will respond to these challenges by pooling resources in human medicine and veterinary medicine. The interdisciplinary research approach under the motto One Health is the only way to better understand pathogens, how they spread, and to quickly devise drugs and preventive measures.”

Wolfgang Fleischhacker, Rector at the Medical University of Innsbruck: “When it comes to scientific research, the Covid-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated how crucial the availability of health data relating to the Austrian general population is. Researchers at the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute will plan and conduct epidemiological and clinical studies, facilitating the development of new approaches to prevent and treat infectious diseases which, in turn, will better prepare us to face future challenges.”