One Health: Health for humans, animals, plants and the environment
The health of humans, animals, plants and the environment is closely interconnected and interdependent. We have been pursuing this One Health approach for over 20 years: Our experts from various disciplines work together across disciplines to collect, analyse, interpret and monitor changes in the environment and animal health and their impact on human health.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics play a key role in the treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals. However, the increasing development of antibiotic resistance poses a major challenge, as it reduces the effectiveness of these important medicines. We therefore aim to systematically collect and analyse data from human medicine, animal husbandry and the environment. The aim is to build up a comprehensive picture that enables a better assessment of risks and lays the foundation for effective measures. Information and public awareness are also key: both the general public and specialists are informed about the correct use of antibiotics. Furthermore, we work closely with national and international partners to conduct joint research and develop strategies for solutions. As the central point of contact in the One Health sector, we bring together interdisciplinary knowledge and ensure that scientific findings are incorporated into measures to protect people, animals and the environment.
Nutrition
In the key area of nutrition, our aim is to strengthen sustainable, resilient and health-promoting food and nutrition systems throughout the entire value chain. To this end, all departments work together on an interdisciplinary basis to increase food security in an evidence-based manner, support protein supply, prevent diet-related diseases and promote health-enhancing dietary environments. By pooling data and expertise on human, animal, plant and environmental health, we create a sound basis for decision-making in politics, business and society. In this way, we empower consumers, promote sustainable development and drive forward evidence-based solutions in line with the One Health approach. Numerous relevant projects focus on the circular economy, traceability databases, protein sources, dietary recommendations and sustainable food environments.
Climate change adaptation
Climate change affects the environment, ecosystems, agriculture and human and animal health – and thus the foundations of our livelihoods. Adapting to climate change in good time can mitigate or prevent damage. Our research and services support sustainable primary production and the supply of high-quality, healthy food. Furthermore, through our monitoring and analysis of drinking water and bathing waters, we inform and protect consumers from waterborne diseases, even under changing climatic conditions. Climate change is also altering the distribution and transmission of pathogens and vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. Through surveillance in the areas of vectors, zoonoses and new pathogens, we monitor human and animal health and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Austria.
Risk assessment
As the leading national body for scientific risk assessment, we are systematically expanding our role. At the heart of this is a holistic approach: risks to humans, animals, plants and the environment are considered together – in line with the One Health principle. The focus is on substance-related risks and cross-cutting issues: interdisciplinary risks – such as those posed by PFAS, microplastics or new genomic techniques (NGT) – are identified at an early stage, assessed according to uniform standards and clearly communicated. The guiding principle is: ‘One Topic – One Assessment – One Communication’. A structured pool of topics forms the basis for proactively prioritising current and future risks. Through enhanced cooperation with partners such as the Federal Environment Agency, government departments and universities, data is integrated and the transfer of knowledge is promoted. Cooperation with European authorities ensures international standards. Our aim is to provide forward-looking, transparent risk assessment as a basis for political and societal decisions.
Last updated: 09.07.2026
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