Drug-resistant infections claim a life every 25 seconds worldwide - and the trend is increasing. Antimicrobial resistance is predicted to become the leading global health threat by 2050, with drug development lagging behind the rapid evolution of resistant strains. Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species have alarmingly high mortality rates, compounded by the emergence of antifungal resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium notorious for its resistance to multiple drugs, has been given critical priority status on the WHO's list of pathogens in need of new antibiotics.

The AIDD doctoral programme leverages the expertise  in drug discovery at the University of Vienna to address these pressing health issues. The programme employs both target-based and phenotype-based drug discovery methodologies supported by artificial intelligence and in-depth expertise in natural product research. It is led by a multidisciplinary team of ten Principal Investigators (PIs) and is embedded in the Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, providing state-of-the-art training in pharmaceutical sciences. In addition to technical expertise, the doctoral candidates gain career-relevant skills, including team management and effective communication. This comprehensive training equips graduates to take on leadership roles in both academia and the life sciences industry.