High honour for allergist Rudolf Valenta

Rudolf Valenta received the award for his work in molecular allergology. His research has contributed significantly to a better understanding of the causes of allergies and the development of new therapeutic approaches. "With his work, Professor Dr Valenta has revolutionised medical diagnostics and improved the treatment of allergy sufferers worldwide," emphasised DGKL President Harald Renz.

Rudolf Valenta himself was honoured: "This award is recognition for the work of my entire team. Our research has shown that a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of allergies opens up new avenues for molecular diagnosis and the development of effective therapies. I join the ranks of prominent previous Laureates and feel inspired to continue my work".

Programme Director of the Danube Allergy Research Cluster at KL Krems

More than 30% of people in our country suffer from allergic diseases. Rudolf Valenta has been responsible for the programme management of the Danube Allergy Research Cluster at KL Krems since 2020. The Danube ARC programme, which is funded by the state of Lower Austria, has established a centre for allergy research in Lower Austria that is dedicated to researching new diagnostic, treatment and prevention methods for allergic diseases. KL Krems is the hub for the Danube ARC programme. Up to 100 people are conducting research into allergies in various research projects. An international PhD programme with an allergy focus is also part of the research programme.

"Sustainable large-scale research programmes such as the Danube Allergy Research Cluster have made it possible for Austria to be a world leader in the field of allergy research," summarises the award winner. "The aim of our work is to improve the lives of allergic people and prevent allergic diseases through new molecular strategies."

About the DGKL
The German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) is the scientific society for laboratory medicine in Germany. It was formed in 2003 through the merger of the German Society for Clinical Chemistry (DGKC) and the German Society for Laboratory Medicine (DGLM). As a non-profit medical-scientific professional society, it works with its approximately 1,200 members to promote the scientifically sound and professionally based further development of quality assurance in laboratory medicine.

About the person
Rudolf Valenta studied medicine at the Medical Faculty of the University of Vienna (now MedUni Vienna), habilitated in the subjects of general and experimental pathology and specialised in the fields of pathophysiology and immunology. He has been Professor of Allergology since 2004. He heads the Department of Immunopathology at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research at MedUni Vienna. He was coordinator of two FWF-funded special research areas and now coordinates the Danube Allergy Research Cluster at the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems. Rudolf Valenta is a member of the Senate of MedUni Vienna. In 2012, he was honoured by MedUni Vienna as "Inventor of the Year". In 2016, he took on a Foreign Adjunct Professorship at the Swedish Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. Also in 2016, he was honoured by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) with the International Distinguished Fellow Award.