Our research is guided by the 17 goals for socially, economically and environmentally sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as by the 10 Austrian national health targets of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.

Cross-cutting themes

Lifelong learning forms the foundation of our research. For us, this means developing and evaluating high-quality didactic and technology-based solutions for educating and training future-relevant competencies in the health professions.
In innovative teaching and learning scenarios, students and professionals acquire the knowledge and skills required to support individuals and populations as effectively as possible in managing their own health conditions.

Regional, national and international teaching and development projects result in tailored educational programmes for different target groups within the healthcare sector.

Sustainability is a core basis of our research. We view health and sustainability as inseparably linked. We work on sustainable food systems and food systems transformation, as well as individual dietary behaviour, monitor and analyse Austrian policy developments relating to sustainable nutrition, and investigate how current recommendations in nutritional science can be implemented.

In nursing science, we develop solutions using extended reality and artificial intelligence that contribute to ecological, social and economic sustainability. In physiotherapy research, we address topics such as climate competence in the health professions, sustainable practice, sustainable mobility, and digital communication and documentation.

Diversity is at the heart of our research on gender and diversity. We examine and integrate the role of gender and diversity within food systems, nutrition therapy, physiotherapy and nursing. Our aim is to understand how different factors influence the health behaviour of people of different genders and what needs particularly diverse target groups have.

We also support individuals with specific needs by involving and empowering them within the research process.

Digital health is an integral part of our research and is applied across all research areas — ranging from basic digitisation to complex applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and extended reality. These technologies support diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, education, and networking between patients and professionals.

Through collaboration with our national and international networks, we are ideally positioned to combine health and technological expertise and deliver high-quality scientific outcomes.