The Research Institute of Molecular
Pathology (IMP) is a leading, basic research institute committed to pushing the frontiers of biomedical science. Since its foundation in 1988, the IMP has created a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence. The IMP is largely sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, yet is fully independent in its governance and research programs. The IMP provides its scientists with the resources and freedom they need to follow their own scientific instincts and ideas. Together with Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL), the Institute of Molecular
Biotechnology (IMBA), the Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI) of the Austrian Academy of Science and several Biotech companies, the IMP forms the Campus Vienna Biocenter. The IMP shares scientific and administrative services with IMBA and GMI and together with the partners at the campus also operates a publicly-funded scientific support facility, the CSF. They strongly believe that a supportive and collaborative intellectual culture is essential to attract creative and bold scientists, willing to cross the boundaries of their discipline in pursuite of groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Jan-Michael Peters & Harald Isemann Scientific Director Administrative Director
Doing a PhD at the IMP gives students a chance to put their ideas and curiosity to work solving essential biological questions. The scientific resources and support at the IMP give students the freedom to experiment and to develop their scientific skills. Apply through the International PhD Programme.Short-term research projects provide valuable lab experience and make important contributions to science at the IMP. The Summer School brings together motivated undergraduates from all over the world with scientists of the VBC campus to perform independent research projects. The Vienna Biocenter Summer School provides a unique opportunity for 25 undergraduate students to work side by side with leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment. Program aims to attract talented students from around the world, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere. It is the perfect preparation for those students who are interested in graduate study in the life sciences arena. Applicants who are successful are provided with accommodation, a travel allowance and a stipend for the duration of the scholarship.
The current IMP building at Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1 was opened in 2017. It comprises 15,000 square meters of gross floor space and 8,000 square meters of net area, spread over eight levels.The building contains 3,000 square meters for laboratories and 2,000 square meters for offices; its lecture hall seats up to 280 people. The buildings has six seminar rooms and technical facilities. Some facilities such as cafeteria, but also scientific services, are open to staff from other Vienna Biocenter entities and the IMP building is connected to the neighboring Institute of Molecular
Biotechnology building through a bridge. Several features of the building refer to biological research: the facade features stripes should resemble
DNA bands as seen in gel electrophoresis; the central elevators glass covers are coated with dichroic foils which are also used in filters for light microscopy. The project costs of 52 million Euros were born by the IMPs main sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim.
Scientists at the IMP publish 60 to 90 papers in international
peer-review journals per year: between 1985 and 2017, more than 2,000 research papers were published. 93 patents were filed based on discoveries made at the institute since 1985. IMP faculty was awarded 13 ERC Grants since the establishment of this grant scheme in 2007. Four IMP faculty members received Wittgenstein Awards since 1996.
Research at the IMP aims to elucidate mechanisms and principles that underlie complex biological processes. Six general themes emerge from the work of the IMP research groups: molecular and cellular biology;
structural biology and biochemistry;
gene expression and
chromosome biology;
stem cell biology and development;
immunology and cancer; neuroscience. The research in these fields is pursued by 15 independent research groups, headed by principle investigators. The groups focus on the following topics:
Last Updated on: Nov 25, 2024