Paracelsus Medical University – Gastein

University center for Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics – Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology Salzburg

The Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology represent the fields of physiology, pathophysiology, and biophysics in teaching and research at both PMU locations in Salzburg and Nuremberg.

Physiology explores and describes normal, non-pathological body functions at all levels—from the entire organism to organs, tissues, cells, subcellular structures, and molecular processes. Pathophysiology, on the other hand, investigates and explains the causes and effects of disease-inducing disturbances within these systems.

These fields form the foundation for understanding all pathological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of medicine.

Salzburg campus

Education of medical and pharmacy students
Research in functional and molecular membrane physiology
Laboratory for tumor biology and experimental therapies
Headquarters of the Gastein Research Institute
Gastein Research Institute (FOI)

The primary mission of the Gastein Research Institute (FOI) is to independently conduct and coordinate clinical and basic research studies. These studies aim to enhance understanding, ensure quality, drive further development and innovation, and promote the health offerings of Gastein, particularly in the areas of balneology, physical therapy, spa and rehabilitation research, and pain therapy research.

Integrated within the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, the FOI collaborates closely with the healthcare institutions and experts of the Gastein Valley. Additionally, the research institute partners with the university clinics and institutes of Paracelsus Medical University, as well as with national and international universities and research institutions.

The Gastein Research Institute focuses on rheumatic diseases and degenerative joint disorders. Its key areas of expertise include the therapeutic use of radon in its various application forms and the study of ankylosing spondylitis (Morbus Bechterew) and degenerative osteoarthritis.

While specializing in these areas, the research institute maintains a broad research scope, allowing it to address various topics relevant to Gastein’s health institutions. Basic research explores the effects of radon treatments on cell cultures, inflammation, and cytokine profiles in arthritis and osteoarthritis models.

Clinical studies investigate the impact of Gastein’s combined hyperthermia/radon therapy on the immune system in patients with osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatic conditions.

Alongside its own research, the FOI also supports studies from Gastein’s spa and rehabilitation facilities, as well as external institutions such as Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, the University of Erlangen, and the Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research Darmstadt.