The 21st Life Science Meeting 2025, held from 7–8 May at IMC Krems, focused entirely on the latest advancements in OMICS technologies. This international networking event brought together leading scientists, industry experts and students to discuss current research findings and applications in biomedicine. Students, alumni and teaching staff alike benefitted from the exchange of ideas and connections with industry and partner universities.
Press
Radiance of OMICS Technologies: Highlights from the Life Science Meeting 2025
Focus on OMICS Technologies
A central topic of this year’s meeting was progress in OMICS technologies, particularly in the fields of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. These technologies allow for comprehensive analysis of biological systems at the molecular level and make a vital contribution to personalised medicine. In this context, our new master degree programme OMICS Technologies and Data Science in Biomedicine, starting in autumn 2025, was presented. Programme director Andreas Lackner emphasised: “Our aim is to train students who can develop innovative solutions for biomedical research at the interface of biotechnology and data science.”
Close Collaboration with Industry and Cooperation Partners
Our strong ties between science and industry were reflected in the participation of numerous company representatives. Paola Martinelli from Boehringer Ingelheim Vienna and Emanuel Kreidl from Novartis presented current industrial applications of OMICS technologies. These collaborations highlight our practice-oriented approach to education and offer our students valuable insights into industrial research and development.
Christoph Metzner, programme director of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology master degree programme, stated: “Our close collaboration with international experts and the integration of cutting-edge research into our teaching prepare our students optimally for the challenges of biomedical research.”
Outstanding Speakers and Alumni Success Stories
Particularly noteworthy were the inspiring contributions from our successful alumni, who shared their career journeys and underlined the importance of the Life Science Meeting in shaping their professional paths.
The meeting was enriched by talks from renowned experts. A special highlight was the presentation by our graduate Victoria Sarne, who showcased her current research in personalised medicine. Her work focuses on using OMICS data to develop tailored therapies and has already received international recognition.
We also welcomed fantastic international speakers like Núria Montserrat (Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia), Simon Koplev (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute), and Stefan Kalkhof and for thought-provoking sessions.
Alumni as a Valuable Resource for Students
Our alumni from the Institute of Biotechnology are an invaluable resource for current students. Through their active involvement in curriculum development, their roles as Alumni Ambassadors, and their participation in events such as our Alumni Network Meetings, they promote knowledge transfer and open up valuable career opportunities for our students. This strong network between alumni and students plays a key role in paving career paths and supporting a successful transition from university to the professional world.
Recognition of Outstanding Internship Performance
A special feature of the programme was the presentation of the Practical Training Semester Award by Barbara Entler, Professor at the Institute of Biotechnology. She honoured the exceptional achievements of our students during their internship semesters, stating: “The practical experience our students gain during their training semester is of immense value for their professional development and contributes significantly to the quality of our education.”
This year, the following students received a Practical Training Semester Award: Klaudia Cisárová, Romana Eisenbock and Narges Zamani.
Positive Feedback and Future Outlook
Harald Hundsberger, Head of our Institute of Biotechnology and programme director for the Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology master degree programme, summarised: “The annual Life Science Meeting puts Krems on the map as a hotspot for biotechnology in Lower Austria and beyond.”
With the successful implementation of our Life Science Meeting 2025 and the launch of our new master degree programme, we are strengthening our position as a leading institution in biomedical research and education.
OMICS Technologies and Data Science in Biomedicine