CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), has been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. This recognition comes as a result of CeMM’s longstanding efforts to create the best possible conditions for top-tier scientists from around the world. Outstanding and innovative research is made possible through structurally optimal conditions, and with the HR Excellence Research Award comes a continued dedication to fostering an environment conducive to scientific innovation. By earning this accreditation, CeMM pledges to further implement the principles outlined in…

The SMNDC1 gene controls key functions in the human body and is linked to diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Scientists in Stefan Kubicek’s research group at the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have successfully pinpointed the exact location of the SMNDC1 protein within the cell nucleus and identified an inhibitor that opens up the potential for therapeutic applications of SMNDC1. The study has been published in Nature Communications.

The protein SMNDC1 is considered an essential gene in the human body, present in nearly every cell. Previous studies by Principal Investigator Stefan Kubicek's…

Scientists from the Giulio Superti-Furga Lab at CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, have developed a new method that allowed the discovery of specific inhibitors of a lactate transporter that is associated with cancer and other diseases areas. The compound identified in the assay system could provide a new starting point for cancer treatments. The study was now published in Cell Chemical Biology.

Transporter proteins, including their largest class, the solute carrier (SLC) family, are proteins that are mostly located in the cell membrane and through which the supply and removal of nutrients…

Heart attacks and strokes arising from atherosclerosis, which is driven by the accumulation of lipids in the inner linings of arteries, are responsible for about one third of deaths worldwide. Accordingly, atherosclerosis is the focus of intense research aimed at the development of novel effective treatments. A team of researchers from MedUni Vienna has now described a key molecular pathway that provides new fundamental insights into the understanding of atherosclerosis progression and may pave the way for new treatment approaches. The results of the study were published in the renowned journal Immunity. 

Recent technological advancements…

On 24 July 2023, CeMM hosted its 11^th S.M.A.R.T. Lecture with Oskar Aszmann, Professor at the Medical University of Vienna. As the Director of the Center of Bionic Extremity Reconstruction and Vice-chair of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, Professor Aszmann and his team have been at the forefront of pioneering bionic reconstruction, setting remarkable milestones, including advancements in hand reconstruction.

For the first time after the COVID pandemic, we were joined in person by Professor Aszmann for an enlightening session on bionic limb reconstruction and the significance of the…

From 3-5 July2023, the CeMM Recess 2023 took place in Altlengbach (Austria). This year, the overarching theme was to foster collaborations between CeMM and Adjunct Groups by presenting “What’s in my fridge”. The objective was to share methods, skills, knowledge, and data with colleagues to generate new ideas and promising projects.

Our guest speakers and CeMM Alumni members Berend Snijder, Professor at the ETH Zurich, and Ariel Bensimon, CEO of Solgate, delivered inspiring talks on their scientific achievements, inventions, and career paths. Additionally, some CeMM members have introduced new tech transfer ideas to the audience and start-up…

In the quest to find the origin of the puzzling symptoms in four children, researchers from St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), and the Medical University of Vienna have discovered a completely new disease, linking disruptions of blood formation, the immune system, and inflammation. This groundbreaking discovery provides the basis for a better understanding of similar diseases. It is a milestone that the researchers have now published in a prestigious international journal, the New England Journal of Medicine.

A newly identified defect in…

CeMM has been honored with the German Brand Award in the category of Excellence in Brand Strategy and Creation in the field of Education & Research!

In 2022, after 15 years of exceptional research and growth, we knew it was time to adapt our corporate identity to reflect our progress and achievements. We embarked on a collaborative effort with our talented team of scientists, administration, and alumni to highlight CeMM's identity, values, and aspirations.

In close collaboration with the creative design agency Büro X, we crafted a new image, and presented our new motto, "Science is our Medicine". The new logo embodies innovation, precision,…

On 12 June 2023, the REsolution consortium held its fourth and final consortium meeting. The event took place at CeMM with 20 participants coming from different countries and 5 participants joining virtually. The REsolution consortium is a public-private research partnership supported by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), EU and EFPIA with 9 partners from academia and the pharmaceutical industry. The project has a duration of 2 years and aims to understand how genetic variants in humans affect the function of cellular solute carrier transporters (SLCs).

During the meeting, REsolution scientists summarized the data generated on the…

CeMM celebrated the 10 years of EU-LIFE milestone with our partner institutes! We were delighted to attend the annual EU-LIFE Community Meeting and take part in the 10th Anniversary Conference in Lisbon, Portugal!

From 5 to 6 June 2023, we joined our partners at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia for a productive one-and-a-half-day program. We discussed the highlights and achievements of the EU-LIFE network this year, set priorities for various projects and activities, and agreed on the strategy and position papers for 2023 and the next year. The meeting featured insightful discussions and best-practice sharing within the working groups,…