Our Research Focus Areas
The Institute of Neuropathology and Neuromolecular Pathology is dedicated to the study of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Our research focuses on brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of AI-based and computational methods for neuropathological diagnostics. We combine state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics, high-resolution imaging, and innovative technologies such as nanopore sequencing to advance precision diagnostics. Through the Innsbruck Brain Bank, we have established a central research platform for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases and the identification of early molecular disease biomarkers. Our goal is to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases that remain difficult to diagnose and treat.
Our Research at a Glance
Technology-Driven Ultra-Rapid Brain Tumor Diagnostics
Leading Researchers: Adelheid Wöhrer, Yelyzaveta Miller-Michlits, Alexander Miller-Michlits, Claudia Manzl, Anna Maria Birkl-Töglhofer
Advanced technologies such as genome-wide DNA methylation profiling and nanopore sequencing enable the generation of tumor profiles within a very short time, often even during surgery. In close collaboration with the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, we develop deep learning models for multimodal tumor classification and investigate the potential of personalized therapies through national and international studies, including ATTRACT and EORTC.
Innsbruck Brain Bank – Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Leading Researchers: Johannes Attems, Anna Birkl-Töglhofer,
To study neurodegenerative processes, we systematically collect brain tissue from patients with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Together with partners from neurology, psychiatry, and neuroanatomy, we aim to gain new insights into brain aging and early molecular disease markers—for example, for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
AI-based and Computational Neuropathology
Leading Researchers: Matthias Perkonigg, Josef Woodward Voss
AI-based and computational methods support neuropathological diagnostics and enable biomarker discovery. By integrating multimodal data—from intraoperative fresh frozen sections and Stimulated Raman Histology to nanopore sequencing and FFPE whole slide imaging—we aim to accelerate diagnostic decision-making in CNS tumors. Beyond established categories, we also explore high-dimensional data to uncover novel biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic relevance.
Structure & Goals of Our Research Unit
Our institute combines diagnostic excellence with translational research. The scientific activities are divided into three main areas:
- Rapid intraoperative tumor diagnostics
- Brain bank for neurodegenerative diagnostics, research, and teaching
- Gut wall nervous system and its role in systemic diseases
A central goal is the transfer of knowledge from basic research into clinical applications. We are part of national and international networks and work closely with local clinics, research institutions, and technological platforms.
National & International Collaboration Partners
Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Romana Höftberger, Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/index.php?id=688&res=romana_hoeftberger
Prof. Dr. Andre Rendeiro, CeMM, Vienna, Austria
https://cemm.at/research/groups/andre-rendeiro/people
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Bock and Peter Stepper PhD, CeMM, Vienna, Austria
https://cemm.at/research/groups/core-groups/christoph-bock/people
Prof. Igor Adameyko, Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/studium-weiterbildung/phd-und-doktoratsstudien/phd-studium/phd-thematische-programme/neuroscience/ueber-das-programm/supervisorinnen/igor-adameyko
Prof. Dr. Gabor Kovacs, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto and Krembil Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
https://tanz.med.utoronto.ca/faculty/gabor-kovacs
Prof. Jason Sa, Department of Biomedical Informatics and Biomedical Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
https://salab.korea.ac.kr/team
Assoc. Prof.in Priv. – Doz.in DDr.in Anna Bergmeister-Berghoff, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
https://innere-med-1.meduniwien.ac.at/en/unsere-klinischen-abteilungen/onkologie/mitarbeiterinnen/aerztinnen/anna-bergmeister-berghoff
Karl-Heinz Nenning, PhD., Center for Biomedical Imaging & Neuromodulation, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York, USA
https://www.nki.rfmh.org/people/karl-heinz-nenning-ph-d
Dr. Javier Alegre Abarrategui, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/j.alegre/about
Prof. Dr. Per Borghammer, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, DNK
https://www.au.dk/en/borghammer@clin.au.dk
Prof. Dr. John Crary, Crary Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
https://profiles.mountsinai.org/john-f-crary
Dr. Daniel Erskine, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/danielerskine.html
Prof. Dr. Glenda Halliday, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, AUS
https://profiles.sydney.edu.au/glenda.halliday
Prof. Dr. Zane Jaunmuktane, Queens Square Brain Bank, Division of Neuropathology, University College London, UK
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/ion/research/clinical-divisions/division-neuropathology/division-members/prof-zane-jaunmuktane-honorary-consultant-neuropathologist
Prof. Dr. Patrick Kehoe, Brains for Dementia Research, University of Bristol, UK
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Patrick-Kehoe-83123479-aaf5-4b9e-b526-fee633753984
Prof. Dr. Gabor Kovacs, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, CAN
https://tanz.med.utoronto.ca/faculty/gabor-kovacs
Dr. Christopher Morris, Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/cmmorris.html
Prof. Dr. Peter Nelson, Sanderson Brown Center on Aging, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UK College of Medicine, Kentucky, USA
https://medicine.uky.edu/users/pnels2
Prof. Dr. Tiago Outeiro, Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Georg August Universität, Göttingen, DE
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/216914.html
Prof. Dr. John Paul Taylor, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/john-paultaylor.html
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Thal, Laboratory for Neuropathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, BE
https://www.kuleuven.be/brain-institute/about-lbi/members/members/00097737
For detailed project information or collaboration inquiries, please contact adelheid.woehrer@i-med.ac.at or the research team directly.