Karl Landsteiner University Launches New International PhD Programme in Cancer Research

Research from Basic Science to Clinical Application

Cancer remains one of the greatest challenges facing healthcare systems and biomedical research worldwide. The new PhD programme therefore adopts an integrated approach that closely links basic and translational research and clinical application. Its aim is to educate highly qualified researchers capable of generating new insights into the development, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and translating these findings into clinical practice.

“Accreditation of the TUMOR BIOLOGY PhD programme marks another important milestone in the strategic development of Karl Landsteiner University,” says Rector Andrea Olschewski. “Through this programme, we are bringing together our expertise in cancer research and creating an attractive environment for emerging researchers from around the world.”

International Network and Interdisciplinary Training

The doctoral programme brings together key disciplines including molecular biology, oncology, medical physics, and radiation oncology. It is designed in accordance with international standards and combines excellent research opportunities with individual supervision and a strong network of academic and clinical partners.

Key clinical and scientific partners include the KL University Hospitals Krems and St. Pölten, two leading oncology centres in Lower Austria that cover the full spectrum of modern cancer care and provide patients with access to innovative evidence-based therapies and clinical trials. This network is complemented by MedAustron, one of only five centres worldwide offering both proton and carbon ion therapy.

Further collaborations involve the Medical University of Vienna, TU Wien, Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in California, King’s College London, and Heidelberg University.

The TUMOR BIOLOGY PhD programme was developed through the collaborative efforts of an interdisciplinary team of internationally recognised experts from the participating academic and clinical partner institutions. Klaus Podar, Head of the Division of Molecular Oncology and Haematology at Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences and Senior Consultant at the Department of Internal Medicine 2, University Hospital Krems, led the development of the programme’s scientific direction, thematic priorities, and curriculum design. More information about the Principal Investigators of the PhD programme “TUMOR BIOLOGY: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Cancer Research” can be found at [link to PI list].

“Our goal is to train young researchers at the interface of laboratory science, clinical medicine, and technology,” explains PhD-Programme Coordinator Podar. “The close integration of research and clinical practice provides ideal conditions for achieving this goal.”

Launch in the 2026/27 Academic Year

Students will gain access to translational research projects, clinical trials, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The development of the overarching curricular framework for KL’s PhD programmes was coordinated by PhD Degree Director Gerald Obermair and combines project-based research with structured coursework, regular coaching and mentoring, research seminars, international scientific exposure, and opportunities to develop transferable skills.

The programme is scheduled to commence in the 2026/27 academic year.

Principal Investigators 
(PhD Supervisors in the “TUMOR BIOLOGY” PhD Programme)

The PhD programme is supported by an interdisciplinary team of internationally recognised researchers:

• OA Univ.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Mag. DDr. Klaus Podar
  Head of the Department of Molecular Oncology and Haematology, Karl Landsteiner University
  Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine 2, University Hospital Krems 
• Univ.-Prof.in Priv.-Doz.in MMag. Dr.in Dagmar Stoiber-Sakaguchi
  Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University 
• Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Markus Stock, PhD
  Head of the Department of Medical Physics (Particle Therapy) (Karl Landsteiner University / MedAustron)
• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Piero Fossati
  Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology (Particle Therapy) (Karl Landsteiner University / MedAustron)
• Prim. Clin. Assoc.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Josef Singer, PhD, MBA
  Head of the Department of Internal Medicine 2 (Haematology and Oncology), University Hospital Krems
• Prim. Clin. Assoc.-Prof.in Priv.-Doz.in Dr.in Petra Georg, MBA
  Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Krems
• OÄ Priv.-Doz. Dott. Dr. Sonia Vallet
  Department of Molecular Oncology and Haematology, Karl Landsteiner University 
  Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine 2 (Haematology and Oncology), University Hospital Krems, Head of the Oncology Day Clinic
• OA Priv.-Doz. Dr. Bahil Darson Ghanim, PhD 
  External Supervisor, Klinik Oberwart
• Prim. Univ.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Harun Fajkovic, MSc, F.E.B.U.
  Head of the Department of Urology and Andrology, University Hospital St. Pölten
• Prim. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Franz Trautinger
  Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital St. Pölten
• OÄ Priv.-Doz.in Dr.in Christine Hafner
  Senior Consultant, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital St. Pölten
• Prim. Clin. Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Anton Staudenherz
  Head of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging and Special Endocrinology, University Hospital St. Pölten

The team covers the full spectrum of modern cancer research, ranging from molecular and cellular basic science through translational approaches to clinical oncology and advanced radiation therapy.