Female researchers at the Medical University of Graz receive funding for innovative projects

No fewer than four female researchers from the Medical University of Graz were successful in the Styrian Provincial Government’s “Unconventional Research 2026” call for proposals. On 25 June 2026, a total of 14 projects were approved, with funding totalling around 1.3 million euros. The research projects at the Medical University of Graz focus on innovative approaches that could open up new avenues in diagnostics and therapy.

How the gut and lungs are connected

Anna Birnhuber’s project examines the so-called gut-lung axis in systemic sclerosis. This severe autoimmune disease can lead, amongst other things, to life-threatening pulmonary fibrosis. The research centres on the gut microbiome: The research is investigating how its composition and metabolic products influence inflammatory processes and contribute to damage to lung tissue. The aim is to develop new, practical therapeutic approaches – such as through diet or probiotics – that can positively influence the course of the disease.

New approaches to rare lung diseases

Izabela Borek’s project focuses on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This rare but serious disease of the pulmonary blood vessels is currently incurable. The focus is on the role of immune cells, known as neutrophils, which contribute to vascular damage through enzymatic processes. In particular, the research team is investigating the enzyme cathepsin C as a potential target for new therapies. The aim is to develop disease-modifying treatment strategies and thereby improve patients’ prognosis in the long term.

Phages as new tools in diagnostics

Led by Sissy Therese Lamprecht-Sonnleitner, the ‘Phage-RBP’ project is dedicated to an approach that has received little attention to date: bacteriophages – viruses that specifically target bacteria – are to be used as an alternative to conventional antibodies in pathogen detection. Specifically, the team is investigating so-called receptor-binding proteins, which are capable of recognising bacterial surfaces with high precision. Using the pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei as a model, the team is investigating how these proteins can be utilised in future to enable faster and more specific diagnostic procedures.

Magnesium implants as active modulators of the bone niche

Begüm Okutan Meyer’s project is investigating how biodegradable magnesium implants influence communication between bone cells. The focus is on exosomes – tiny messenger molecules that transmit important signals for bone healing. Research is being conducted to determine whether the minerals released during degradation alter these molecular messages and can thereby specifically improve healing. The aim is to develop new approaches for more effective implants.

The Medical University of Graz extends its warmest congratulations on receiving this funding!