Reason for optimism – Austria’s life sciences are world-class

The Scientific Director of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Elly Tanaka, recently published an opinion piece in Der Standard. In it, she emphasizes the high level of scientific research in Europe and acknowledges Austria’s efforts to build state-of-the-art centers of academic excellence. 

Read the slightly adapted full-length English version below, republished with the kind permission of IMBA.

In a recently published commentary in Der Standard, Helga Nowotny called for „rethinking Europe” – an appeal to bring top researchers from the United States to Europe. The piece received mixed reactions. Some questioned Europe’s competitiveness – a stance I consider too pessimistic. The research environment and achievements at Austrian institutions provide every reason for optimism.

My own career path may illustrate this point. In the 1990s, I moved from a leading U.S. university to London, and in 2016, I decided to make Austria my academic and professional home. As part of the international life sciences community, I have observed the development of Europe’s research landscape up close over the past three decades. From this perspective, I can say with confidence: Austria is stronger than many believe.

With its combination of intellectual infrastructure, professional institutions, and high quality of life, Austria – and particularly Vienna – offers compelling reasons for researchers from around the world to conduct their work here. Accordingly, we are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from outstanding scientific talents eager to join us

Excellence in Education: Austrian students begin their scientific careers on a solid foundation. The education system here – despite certain challenges – produces young people who are impressively well prepared for the demands of research. Their curiosity and dedication are on par with students at top U.S. universities.

A Strong Institutional Ecosystem: Funding agencies such as the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF) operate at the highest professional standards. Institutions like the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) ensure long-term stability through reliable base funding – an essential prerequisite for ambitious, curiosity-driven research.

Political and Societal Support: Research is not only an academic endeavor but also a societal mission. Compared to many other countries, Austrian policymakers and public institutions show strong engagement in science policy – from basic research to applied projects. While a degree of skepticism toward science exists, it should not obscure the fact that the vast majority of the public clearly supports scientific and intellectual work.

A Critical Mass of Excellence: Clusters such as the Vienna BioCenter or the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) are true powerhouses of talent and infrastructure. These environments foster ideal conditions for interdisciplinary collaboration, career development, and family-friendly work settings – all key factors for researchers at every stage of life. Such ecosystems not only enable scientific excellence but also nurture a vibrant research culture.

From Basic Research to Application: These centers also successfully bridge the gap between science and industry. Agencies like the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) play a vital role in this process. Collaboration between the public and private sectors works well: translating fundamental research into start-ups here is not theoretical – it’s a lived reality.

A City that Connects Life and Science: Vienna is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world – and for good reason. The city is cosmopolitan, culturally rich, affordable, family-friendly, and full of life. Add to that excellent international connectivity and a strong English-speaking research culture at leading institutions – making it a clear magnet for international talent.

Of course, no system is perfect. Differences in institutional culture, administrative hurdles, or uneven funding landscapes persist. Experiences may vary by discipline. But what matters is to see the forest, not just the trees. Over the past 20 years, Austria has undergone a quiet revolution in research. Today, the country plays in the international top league – particularly in life sciences and quantum physics.

Three Nobel Prizes in recent years have had connections to Austria. In the life sciences, Austrian institutions – including my own institute, IMBA – significantly outperform international benchmarks. Our success rate for ERC grants stands at 60 percent, compared to an international average of just 13 percent. Per capita, Austria even surpasses Germany in ERC funding within the life sciences – a reflection not only of talent but also of excellent research conditions. These achievements are the result of a consistent science policy with increasing budgets in recent years. What matters now is to stay the course.

One of Austria’s particular strengths is its recognition of basic research as a value in itself – research pursued for the sake of knowledge. Many of today’s major medical breakthroughs have their roots in the curiosity of scientists studying bacteria, yeast, fruit flies, or snake venoms. Without this drive to understand nature, many modern medicines would not exist.

In the United States, there is a stronger culture of translating scientific discoveries into start-ups and new products. Young people found companies, and investors deliberately support risky, innovative ideas. Perhaps it would be exciting for Austria to foster a greater awareness that funding biotech start-ups can be an equally valuable and inspiring form of civic engagement – comparable to supporting art or sports.

As an American scientist who has chosen Austria not only as a place of work but also as a home, I can say with conviction: Austrians have no reason for an inferiority complex. On the contrary – they should be proud of the remarkable achievements made here. Austria is not merely a beneficiary of the global exchange of talent; it is itself a destination for bright minds from around the world. Through commitment, foresight, and passion, many have contributed to making Austria’s research a shining beacon in the global scientific landscape. This deserves recognition – and celebration.

The original version of this article can be found on the website of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.