Austrian Cohort Initiative (ATCI) — strengthening cohort research across Austria
ATCI – the Austrian Cohort Initiative co-led by BBMRI.at, MedUni Wien/Dept. of Epidemiology, and Exposome Austria – is a new national effort to connect Austria’s cohort study and biobank community and to identify and use synergies. ATCI promotes harmonised approaches, improved visibility, and collaborative potential across existing and emerging cohorts.
BBMRI.at introduces the Austrian Cohort Initiative (ATCI) — a national effort led by the MedUni Vienna (Dept. of Epidemiology), BBMRI.at, and Exposome Austria (Austrian EIRENE node), bringing together Austria’s cohort and biobank community.
Biobank cohorts and cohort studies are essential for understanding health, disease, environment, lifestyle, and prevention.
The ATCI aims to connect existing and planned cohorts, consolidate and use synergies, promote harmonised approaches, and strengthen visibility and accessibility of Austria’s cohort and biobank resources.
The Austrian Federal Ministries BMASGPK and BMLUK are now funding a three-year ATCI project.
The aim of the funded project is to:
– assess how existing cohorts can contribute to Austrian health targets — with a special focus on Austrian Health Target #4 (“Protecting air, water, soil and the living environment”).
– consolidate existing knowledge and structures, and
– identify gaps and needs for harmonisation.
The initiative opens many doors for collaboration, and it will evolve quickly as more groups join the effort.
