About Karl Landsteiner

Karl Landsteiner ranks among the most important researchers in the history of medicine. Born on 14 June 1868 in Baden near Vienna, the physician is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds of Lower Austria, who left his mark on the history of research with his scholarly work in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century.

One of his most outstanding achievements was the discovery of the system of human blood groups with the three main groups A, B and O in 1901 and – together with Alexander Wiener – the discovery of the Rhesus factor in 1940. Karl Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1930 in recognition of his research work.

But Karl Landsteiner was not just a passionate scientist who lived for his work. He was also a talented teacher who inspired his students with his extensive knowledge of medical research and his experience in academic research. These are the hallmarks of our research and teaching at KL, and a key part of the university’s vision.