Funders and Participating Institutes
WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER REHABILITATION
Innovation begins where expertise and vision intersect. Our Centre of Competence for Rehabilitation Research is the result of a pioneering partnership between the public sector and research institutions. On this page, we would like to introduce you to the players who are turning this ambitious project into reality. Each partner contributes unique strengths, which together form the foundation for progress in rehabilitation research.
FUNDERS
The Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft and the state of Salzburg form the project ownership to establish the RehaHub as an Austria-wide centre of excellence. Through this partnership, they are promoting regional development and contribute considerably to rehabilitation research and rehabilitative care in Austria.
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut (LBG)
The Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) is a renowned non-university research organisation in Austria that has been a pioneer in interdisciplinary research since 1960.
Structure and Focus
- To run various research institutes in medicine, life sciences, humanities, social sciences and cultural sciences, which are supported by an Open Innovation in Science Center and Career Center.
- Implementation of the Clinical Research Groups funding programme for non-commercial and collaborative clinical research and studies at medical universities on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.
- Flexible responses to current social and scientific challenges and topics.
Main Elements and Goals
- Close co-operation with academic and application-oriented partners.
- Promotion of young scientists.
- Acting as a bridge between basic research and applying institutions and partners.
- Development of innovative, open and participatory research approaches for increased social impact.
- Promoting dialogue between science and society.
Through its focus on socially relevant (‘Science for Society’) research, the LBG has earned an important place in the Austrian scientific landscape and stands for change, further development and renewal in Austrian research.
Province Salzburg
The state of Salzburg is an important partner and sponsor of innovative research projects, particularly in the field of health and life sciences. As an active supporter of the Science and Innovation Strategy 2025 (WISS 2025), the state contributes substantially strengthening Salzburg as a centre of research.
Core Competence and Focus Areas
- Regional health policy: design and implementation of health strategies.
- Promotion of science and innovation through targeted investments.
- Networking local players from research, business and society.
Focus on Life Sciences
- Promotion of the life science cluster: networking of companies, research organisations and educational institutions.
- Targeted research funding in areas such as personalised medicine and biomarker research.
- Supporting technology transfer for the commercial utilisation of scientific findings.
- Training and promotion of young talent through specialised degree courses and programmes.
Through these activities, the province of Salzburg positions itself as an attractive location for innovative research and development in life sciences.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES OF THE LBG
The Rehab Hub project combines the expertise of three renowned Ludwig Boltzmann Institutes, which are bundling their strengths to raise rehabilitation research in Austria to a new level. The synergetic collaboration between these institutes creates a powerful network that transcends the boundaries between research, clinical practice and technological innovation.
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Arthritis and Rehabilitation (LBI-AR)
The LBI-AR investigates research questions related to arthrosis and arthritis in both basic and clinical research and also deals with various aspects of rehabilitation research and outcome research.
Research Focus and Strengths
- Development of innovative treatment concepts and digital health solutions.
- Promotion physical activity in people with arthritis.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between experts from rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine and data science.
- Use of AI and big data to improve diagnosis and treatment.
- Strong link between basic research and clinical application.
The LBI-AR is based at the Centre for Medical Data Science (CeDAS) at the Medical University of Vienna and works closely with national and international partners at other locations to advance arthritis research and rehabilitation: Pension Insurance Institution, Austrian Health Insurance Fund, Medical University of Graz, University of Graz, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg.
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Digitale Gesundheit und Prävention (LBI-DHP)
The LBI-DHP is an innovative research centre in Salzburg, working at the interface of medicine, technology and lifestyle change.
Research Focus and Strengths
- Development of digital solutions for a healthy lifestyle.
- Sustainable behaviour change through innovative technologies.
- Prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases.
- Interdisciplinary approach: combining sports medicine, rehabilitation, digitalisation and behavioural research.
- Open Innovation in Science: Involving patients, citizens and stakeholders.
- Developing and testing of digital health interventions.
- Integration of patient-generated data and health data interoperability.
The LBI-DHP cooperates with distinguished partners, including the Salzburg University Hospital, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg Research, Paracelsus Medical University, the Austrian Institute of Technology and additional support from the state of Salzburg. The aim is to enhance the quality of life through cutting-edge research and to make a sustainable contribution to preventive healthcare.
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Rehabilitation Research (LBI-RR)
The LBI-RR is dedicated to improving the rehabilitation and quality of life of patients, with a focus on the musculoskeletal area.
Research Focus and Strengths
- Development and evaluation of innovative rehabilitation concepts.
- Implementation of digital health solutions in rehabilitation.
- Promoting exercise and physical activity in the population.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between experts from different specialisms.
- Close connection between basic research and clinical application.
- International cooperation with leading research institutions.
The LBI-RR cooperates closely with clinical partners and other research institutions (VAMED care – Health Facility Operations Services GmbH, Physio- und Rheumatherapie GmbH, other international cooperation partners) to transfer scientific findings directly into practice and develop evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. The focus is on improving patients’ quality of life and ability to function.
