Research

Our research interests include sustainability in clinical practice and in medical research operations, for example resource optimization in the laboratory. Our research field also focuses on developing innovative approaches for more sustainable health in our society.

Our projects

New Biomarkers for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, affecting 2–8% of all pregnancies. Since delivery is currently the only established treatment and the clinical symptoms are both nonspecific and heterogeneous, diagnosis is particularly challenging—especially in the late-onset form (occurring after the 34th week of gestation). Biomarkers capable of predicting disease onset and assessing its progression are therefore of crucial importance. The aim of this project is to investigate the profiles of oxygenated androgens in relation to late-onset preeclampsia in order to identify new biomarkers for screening strategies, risk assessment, and clinical monitoring of affected pregnant women.
Project duration: March 2025 to December 2026
Funded by: Kulturamt der Stadt Graz, Stigergasse 2, 8020 Graz, Österreich
Contact: Sen.Scientist Priv.-Doz. Dr.scient.med. Olivia Trummer, MSc (olivia.trummer(at)medunigraz.at)

Cardiovascular health and maternal adaptation in cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy

Too little is known about the mechanisms that govern maternal cardiovascular adaptation in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive and metabolic disorders. This knowledge gap needs to be addressed urgently, as impaired vascular and endothelial responses are key drivers of both acute obstetric complications and long-term cardiovascular risk in mothers and their offspring. In this project, we investigate maternal cardiovascular health through an integrated approach that combines advanced hemodynamic phenotyping with endothelial functional and molecular profiling. By characterizing the pathways that regulate endothelial integrity and vascular function, we aim to identify early mechanisms of endothelial maladaptation that underpin cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy and to define biological signatures that may guide future cardiovascular prediction and prevention strategies.
Contact: Ass. Prof. Federica Piani, PhD (federica.piani(at)medunigraz.at)

Our research achievements

Projects

Research projects conducted within the research field

Publications

Scientific publications within the research field