Andreas Farnleitner

Andreas Farnleitner is a full Professor and Head of the Department of Water Quality and Health at Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL), with a secondary professorship in Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). He is a key figure in the interuniversity ICC Water & Health research triangle (KL–TU Wien–MedUni Wien), advancing interdisciplinary research in environmental health and water safety.

• University: Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
• Joint Affiliation: Vienna University of Technology
• Department: Department of Water Quality and Health
• Email: andreas.farnleitner@kl.ac.at

His research focuses on the intersection of microbiology, toxicology, and public health, particularly in the context of water quality. He investigates microbial diagnostics, fecal contamination, antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, and the impacts of climate change and urbanization on waterborne disease risks. His work emphasizes preventive health strategies and sustainable water management.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in environmental microbiology, antibiotic resistance monitoring, and real-time water quality diagnostics. His team employs molecular tools (qPCR, source tracking), field studies (Danube, karst systems), and modeling approaches to understand pathogen dynamics and infection risks. Themes include SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, biofilm resistomes, and climate-driven health threats.

Farnleitner is an advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO) and participates in numerous national and international expert panels. He is also involved in major research collaborations such as Vienna Water Resource Systems 2021+, which integrates ecological, technical, and health perspectives under global change pressures.

He has secured funding from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He collaborates with public sector and industry partners, including Wiener Wasser, and co-developed the Drinking WATER@Buildings knowledge transfer initiative. He also contributes to curriculum development, such as the Microbiology and Hygiene module for the Medical Sciences bachelor’s program.

Farnleitner leads a vibrant research group focused on water quality and health, operating within the ICC Water & Health network. The team conducts field studies, lab-based molecular diagnostics, and data modeling to support evidence-based water safety policies and public health protection.