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Center for Health & Bioresources
The innovative solutions developed by the Center for Health & Bioresources improve our health, enhance the quality of life and help to protect the environment. Modern sensor technologies, molecular biological methods, innovative materials and tools for telemedicine are being developed for this purpose.
With its core competencies – nanoand sensor technologies, system integration, molecular biological omics technologies, modelling and simulation –, the Center for Health & Bioresources addresses clients from the health, environmental and agricultural sectors. Thanks to many years of experience and an outstanding research infrastructure, the interdisciplinary teams solve the challenges of demographic change and scarcity of resources. For example, the center develops innovative solutions for the early detection of diseases and the support of healthy and active ageing. This is made possible by new approaches in non-invasive diagnostics, in telehealth, the development of bioactive materials for innovative implants and prostheses, as well as patient-supporting medical products. The sustainable and innovative handling of biological resources and their efficient use is another large topical field. AIT's research focus here is on increasing the stress tolerance of plants under changing environmental conditions, the interaction of plants and microorganisms, the rapid detection of pests, mould and allergenic fungi as well as combating pathogens and invasive plants.
Health Information Systems AIT's Digital Health Information Systems research focuses on integrated eHealth solutions for biomedical research and patient-centred healthcare. Modern information and communication technologies enable new approaches to digital health systems (dHealth) and patient-oriented assistance systems. Next-generation therapy approaches are based on
Elke Guenther, Head of Center for Health & Bioresources
closed loop control systems in which the health status of patients is continuously monitored and the therapy is adapted as necessary. For example, new approaches for intuitive and mobile data collection by patients are being developed using the KeepInTouch technology that was developed by AIT.
SeedJection Plant microorganisms have the potential to overcome the problems of modern agriculture. Through the colonization of plant tissue, they can promote plant growth, increase the resistance of plants to adverse climatic conditions, or fight pathogens. The patented "SeedJection" technology developed by AIT makes it possible to mechanically implement microorganisms in seeds. The consequences: higher stress tolerance and increased yield stability of the plants.
Point of Care Diagnostics & Biosensors Mobile molecular diagnostics requires miniaturized and automated devices with the highest analytical performance which can detect diseases faster and more accurately with the help of various body fluids. AIT has in-depth know-how in realising such measuring systems and covers the full spectrum – from biomarkers, microfluidics, molecular detection reactions and biosensors to readout electronics and PROFILE AND HIGHLIGHTS process management. One focus is on saliva, which is particularly well-suited for near-patient diagnostics.
European Health Network EIT Health Since 1 January 2020, AIT as the first Austrian partner joined the largest European health network EIT Health, together with Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna (RCV), Kapsch BusinessCom, UNIQA Insurance Group AG, the WILD Group as well as the Viennese start-up incubator INiTS. The aim is to jointly bring new products and services to the European market faster, to support young companies in a targeted manner and to make new educational offers available. The AIT membership will also help to further strengthen the life science sector in Austria – with more than 1,000 companies and over 55,000 employees a significant and future-oriented driving force for economic growth, innovation and talent.
Europe-wide innovation community EIT Food EIT Food, Europe's leading innovation and technology initiative in the agri-food sector, is working towards more sustainable, healthy and trustworthy food. Here too, the AIT has been a member since 1 January 2020. EIT Food is one of eight successful innovation communities at EU level, with a total of 50 innovation centers across Europe and over €1.5 billion of external capital provided by EIT-supported companies. AIT contributes to the success of the network through its excellent networking and comprehensive expertise in the areas of plant production and beneficial microorganisms, user & technology experience and policy & governance, and benefits from it through long-term partnerships, near-to-market projects at medium technological maturity with business plan and efficient project applications. The aim is to anchor the EIT Food Network even better in Austria and to expand it in a targeted manner through national partners.
