The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research (LBI-LVR) was an outstanding center that combined cutting-edge research in the field of pulmonary vascular disease with interdisciplinary clinical research under one roof. This structure fostered close collaboration between scientific and clinical experts from different disciplines and enabled the development and implementation of joint initiatives in translational and patient-oriented lung research. The institute’s internationally recognized research led to numerous publications, patents and diagnostic tools that significantly broadened the scientific perspective on vascular disease in the context of chronic lung disease.

The LBI-LVR pursued the ambitious goal of making a significant contribution to the early detection of pulmonary vascular diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, through the use of novel and non-invasive methods. In addition, innovative therapeutic strategies were to be developed to improve the prognosis and quality of life of those affected by these serious diseases. These findings also had a lasting impact on the guidelines for the treatment and diagnosis of pulmonary vascular disease.

Thanks to its integrative and multidisciplinary structure, the LBI-LVR was able to uncover crucial molecular mechanisms and identify therapeutic target structures. These new treatment approaches were tested in preclinical and clinical proof-of-concept studies. The LBI-LVR has served as the nucleus of lung research in Graz and has significantly influenced and publicized lung research at the Medical University of Graz both locally and internationally, thus performing decisive pioneering work.

The Institute placed particular emphasis on the promotion of young scientists. Many young scientists received decisive impulses for their careers through the awarding of prestigious prizes and awards. Leading experts with a focus on lung research were trained, bringing science closer to the needs of patients. This was supported by “Open Innovation in Science” and the active participation of patients.

In 2021, the Medical University of Graz and the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft presented the “Lung Research Cluster”, a new, sustainable focus for lung research in Graz, which will incorporate the expertise of the LBI-LVR. The cluster aims to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of severe lung diseases and to develop innovative strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The disease spectrum includes independent diseases of the pulmonary vasculature, lung tissue and airways, including pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung tumors.

We look forward to continuing our work and strengthening lung research at the Medical University of Graz.

Yours: Grazyna Kwapiszewska, Andrea Olschewski, Horst Olschewski, Leigh Marsh, Gabor Kovacs, Valentina Biasin, Slaven Crnkovic and Brita Maurer and the whole team