Welcome to the Institute for Biomedical Aging Research
Worldwide, the segment of the population aged 60 or over is increasing rapidly. In the year 2006, in Austria, more than one-fifth of our population has been over 60 years of age. In 2030 this segment will amount to one third. These senior citizens will place an enormous personal and socioeconomic burden on their families and on our society unless we act quickly to develop better prevention and treatment programs for many of the physical and mental ailments associated with old age.
The goal of biomedical research on aging is to help people grow old with dignity and in good health.
See latest news below!
University of Innsbruck
Institute for Biomedical Aging Research
Rennweg 10
A-6020 Innsbruck
Phone: +43 512 507 50801
E-Mail: iba@uibk.ac.at
Head:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Birgit Weinberger
Research Groups
Birgit Weinberger
Immunosenescence and Vaccination
Age-associated changes in the immune system (immunosenescence) contribute to increased incidence and severity of infections and decreased immunogenicity and clinical efficacy of many currently used vaccines in older adults. We investigate how T cells change with age and study the immune responses after vaccination with licensed vaccines to develop improved vaccination strategies.
Emmanuel Derudder
Humoral Immunity
B lymphocytes are central players in adaptive immunity and the sole producers of antibodies. While efficient B cell development and responses occur in young organisms, aging causes a decline in production and remodeling of functionality. We are investigating the regulatory mechanisms permitting optimal gene expression during the B cell life cycle to shed light on B cell aging.
Pidder Jansen-Dürr/ Maria Cavinato
Cellular Senescence in Aging and Disease
We investigate the molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence in various human cell types. This includes the role of mitochondrial proteins in senescence, age-associated metabolic dysregulation, and the impact of FAHD1 on healthy aging.
In addition, we explore the relationship between cellular senescence and age-related diseases, emphasizing intercellular communication in aging and disease.
Alexander Weiss
Mitochondrial Metabolism and Cellular Senescence
Research interest in mitochondrial metabolism and cellular senescence aims to uncover the intricate interplay between these two processes, exploring how dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to cellular aging and senescence, and identifying potential interventions to mitigate age-related decline and diseases.
Werner Zwerschke
Cell Metabolism and Differentiation Research
The major research goals of the Zwerschke-Group are to better understand the importance of adipose tissue in obesity and aging. Moreover, the group studies nutritional anti-aging interventions.
Martin Widschwendter
European Translational Oncology Prevention & Screening (EUTOPS)
Our vision is to integrate cutting-edge research in systems biology and oncology to enable real-world implementation of the concepts of P4 medicine (predictive, preventive, personalised and participatory). The EUTOPS Institute is ideally placed for collaborative research in the heart of Europe.
News and Events
News at IBA
Visiting Researcher at the IBA
On July 15, Maria Cavinato welcomed Gorana Ilic, MSc, from the Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, for a one-month research training stay in her laboratory. The visit takes place within the framework of COST Action CA21108 – European Network for Skin Engineering and Modeling (NETSKINMODELS) and aims to foster scientific exchange and collaboration between the participating institutions.
DC AGE_REG Summer School 2026
The DC AGE_REG Summer School 2026 once again provided doctoral researchers at the University of Innsbruck with a platform to present their current research and engage in scientific exchange. The programme featured student short talks, a keynote lecture by Verena Ruprecht, and the presentation of the Best Oral Presentation Awards. Gabriel Knoll received first prize, while Pauline Bicker and Periklis Ziakis shared second place.
Dissertation Award for Ines Martic
We warmly congratulate our alumna Ines Martic on receiving the Hypo Tirol Bank Dissertation Award at the University of Innsbruck. She was honoured for her doctoral thesis, "The Dynamic Senescence-Skin Aging Axis: Insights into the Role of Melanocytes", at the award ceremony held on 19 May 2026. We are delighted to see her outstanding work recognised and congratulate Ines on this well-deserved achievement!
upcoming events
David Feldmann, B.Sc.
Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck
GDF15 Regulates Mitochondrial Quality Control and Stress Signaling in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Date: Monday, July 27th 2026, at 2 pm
Place: Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, Rennweg 10, seminar room
Chair: Maria Amalia Cavinato Nascimento, PhD
Examiner: Athanasios Seretis, PhD
Examiner: Univ.-Doz. Dr. Pidder Jansen-Dürr
Looking for blood donors
We're looking for blood donors for our biomedical research.
It takes about 15 minutes and youre making a valuable contribution to research in the field of immunology.
Should you be interested and between 18 and 99 years old, please contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
Contact:
E-Mail: Michael.Keller@uibk.ac.atPhone: +43 512 507 50812