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Our mission:
Promoting animal welfare, animal health and social responsibility

We are committed to ensuring the long-term provision of veterinary care in rural areas, particularly in the field of livestock farming. A key part of our work is promoting and supporting our highly qualified alumni so that they can return to their home regions and make a valuable contribution to animal-friendly livestock farming there. At the same time, we aim to raise awareness of the important role that vets play in society, as animal health is closely linked to human health and the environment.

"Vetmeduni combines practical training, innovative research and social engagement to promote sustainable animal husbandry and strengthen ties with the regions – ensuring the best possible veterinary care throughout Austria."

Rector Matthias Gauly

Portrait photograph of Headteacher Matthias Gauly
Photo: Michael Bernkopf/Vetmeduni

Vetmeduni: A centre of excellence with a social responsibility

As Austria’s only veterinary university, and through our research-led training of future vets, we assume a key socio-political responsibility that extends far beyond our campus in Vienna. Our expertise covers not only animal health, but also includes, amongst other things, preventive veterinary medicine, public health and food safety.

Strong networks for a strong future

For years, we have been successfully fostering connections between our students and our alumni across the federal states. We achieve this through:

  • Regional events that strengthen knowledge transfer, exchange and collaboration
  • Collaborations in teaching and research with local practitioners, institutions and companies
  • Dedicated study places for roles in the public interest

Through these measures, we help to safeguard and further develop veterinary care throughout Austria.

Our partnerships with the federal states and South Tyrol


Burgenland

Photo: Burgenland Adult Education Centres

“A werewolf walks into the Schnapsglasmuseum …”

The Wolf Science Centre at the Science Village Talks Burgenland

On Tuesday 13 May 2025, the Burgenland Science Village Talks centred entirely on werewolves and their real-life relatives: In her talk, Lina Oberließen, Deputy Scientific Director of the Wolf Science Centre in Ernstbrunn (WSC), provided fascinating insights into the world of the wolf research centre.

 


Carinthia

  • Mallnitz Days: Joint event in the Hohe Tauern National Park
  • Research projects and summer schools with the Hohe Tauern National Park
  • Networking for students (work placements)
  • Events for school pupils – the veterinary profession
  • Study on zoonotic pathogens in dogs and cats at Carinthian animal shelters (Read the full article on page 7)

Find out more: Collaboration between Vetmeduni and the Province of Carinthia

Justina Heinz / Hohe Tauern National Park

A look back: 4th Mallnitz Days 2026

Richard Zink had even the youngest children enthusiastic about wildlife conservation during the children’s programme for Mallnitz Primary School and Nursery.

Lower Austria

Thomas Suchanek/Vetmeduni

Science Academy Lower Austria

As well as theory, there is plenty of practical experience on offer: participants on the last course were able to get hands-on experience during the summer week on food safety, amongst other things.

Governor Thomas Stelzer, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Michaela Langer-Weninger and Vetmeduni Rector Matthias Gauly
Photo: Province of Upper Austria

New Vetmeduni branch in Upper Austria

Governor Thomas Stelzer, Regional Minister for Agriculture Michaela Langer-Weninger and Vetmeduni Rector Matthias Gauly have jointly signed the ‘Future Package’ to strengthen veterinary care in rural areas. The establishment of a new Vetmeduni branch in Upper Austria is intended to expand training in the fields of ruminant, swine and poultry medicine, whilst at the same time increasing the appeal of large animal practice in rural areas.

Salzburg

  • Pinzgau Animal Shelter: Research into the human–animal relationship by the Messerli Research Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
    “In future, people with and without disabilities will come together with animals on the grounds of the Caritas Village in St. Anton. “Bringing this project to life at the site of this long-established institution is a win-win situation for everyone involved, and particularly for animal welfare,” emphasises Provincial Councillor Josef Schwaiger.

Find out more: Press release from the Province of Salzburg, 8 March 2021: “All-inclusive at the new Pinzgau animal shelter”

 

Kinder am Lipizzanergestüt Piber
Photo: Thomas Zauner/Vetmeduni

Vetmeduni takes part in KinderUniGraz at the Piber Lipizzaner Stud for the fourth time

Vetmeduni is the only university in Austria to take part in three Children’s Universities every summer. It was once again represented at the Graz Children’s University in 2025. The horse-loving children were able to experience the famous animals up close and, as well as receiving tips on horse health, learnt about the role of a veterinary surgeon.

 

Tyrol

Photo: Vetmeduni

Symposium: One Health Tyrol – Working together for healthy animals and people

The ‘One Health Tirol’ symposium took place for the third time on 22 October 2025 in Innsbruck. The event is organised jointly by the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, and the Medical University of Innsbruck. Experts from both universities presented current research topics in the field of One Health.

South Tyrol

Dominik Kiss/Vetmeduni

Networking meeting “I wü wieda ham”

In autumn 2025, the first-ever networking event took place, bringing together three regions: Upper Austria, Styria and South Tyrol. Around 70 students took the opportunity to talk to representatives from the federal states and, during a speed-dating session, to make valuable contacts, ask questions and find out more about career opportunities in the region.

 

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