Institute for Eco-medicine
Research

The Institute for Eco-Medicine is equipped with a molecular wet lab for analyzing blood and saliva parameters, a Virtual Reality Physiology Eyetracking Lab for spatial and temporal characterization of both virtual and real environmental stimuli, and an extensive mobile medical lab for use in field studies.

Here’s a brief overview of the institute’s methodological toolkit:

• Monitoring of environmental parameters such as radioactivity, fine particles, aerosols, air ions, and allergens.
• Analysis of hormones such as cortisol or oxytocin in painlessly collected saliva or blood samples.
• Assessing inflammation, bone immunology, metabolism, and other relevant markers in blood.
• Psychological assessments of stress, work ability, health-related quality of life, relationship quality, and sleep quality using extensive online tools and self-developed apps (e.g., intercultural Quality of Life Comic iQOLC).
• Medical and orthopedic measurements and analytical methods such as bioimpedance analysis, Medimouse/back health assessments, static and dynamic balance tests, cardiorespiratory fitness evaluations, and dermatological parameter analysis.
• Genetic analysis investigating the response of every human gene to specific stimuli.
• Analysis of blood cells for their role in immune system enhancement or potential "rejuvenation" (immunosenescence).
• Analysis of lung-  and upper airway function, respiratory gas analysis, rhinomanometry, and breath condensate analysis.
• (Neuro)physiological measurements such as EKG, EEG, skin conductance, EMG, respiratory rate, breathing depth; with spatial and temporal resolution using eyetracking in real or virtual environments.
• State-of-the-art statistical analyses

The Alpine region, with its natural landscapes and locally rooted healing resources, holds immense potential for nature-based health tourism. The Institute for Eco-Medicine plays a crucial role in establishing medical evidence for these Alpine resources, supporting regions and businesses from science-driven product development to targeted marketing strategies.

The institute serves as a key player within the Alpine Health Region of Salzburg province. Leading cross-border EU projects (such as EU Interreg BY-AT Trail for Health North and EU Interreg IT-AT WINHEALTH) and transnational EU projects (like EU Alpine Space HEALPS II), the institute is actively involved in positioning evidence-based health tourism as a strategic development area within the macro-regional strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP).