Mission

Infectious diseases can have a significant impact on human health and society and are responsible for millions of deaths globally every year. In addition to the already existing issues with infectious diseases, 
new challenges are emerging. Climate change, a growing interface between humans and animals, habitat destruction and the interconnectivity of the modern world will likely lead to an increased frequency of outbreaks and pandemics with new pathogens.

The Ignaz Semmelweis Institute’s mission is to address these challenges with basic and translational infectious disease research through a planetary health lens resulting in a better understanding of pathogens and disease and in countermeasures like therapeutics and vaccines. Our expertise spans from epidemiology to infection biology, molecular virology, innate and adaptive immunity to diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine development. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to synergistically develop solutions to emerging challenges in the infectious disease field. Our work focuses both on pathogens of global importance as well as on pathogens that are specific to the European region or to Austria, giving us an international and a local perspective. Another significant aspect of our work is pandemic preparedness and pandemic response and the Institute is committed to respond to public health emergencies of international concern as well as to emerging pandemics in real time and in coordination with national and international partners. Finally, we are committed to both science communication and participatory research to involve the public in all aspects of infectious disease research.