Shaping the Future of Tomorrow: Sebastian Preissl and the Power of Teamwork

Imagine a city where innovation, cultural heritage, and global diversity come together - that’s Graz. As you stand in front of the university’s main building, with its grand Neo-Renaissance façade, you quickly realize that, just like the flags state, the University of Graz truly lives by its motto: We work for tomorrow. There’s a sense of purpose here that invites you in, energy to tackle new research questions, a spirit of optimism, much like a well-kept secret waiting to be shared.

Austria’s “secret love” may not have the scale of a global metropolis, but as you stroll through the capital of Styria, you will appreciate its vibrant international academic community. The city intrigues with a Mediterranean flair, and a lively mix of Austrian old-town charm and green parks. In total, over 70,000 students live and study in Graz, and the universities draw talented minds from all over the world.

In October, Graz welcomed a new mind into its academic community: Professor Sebastian Preissl. After research stints in La Jolla, California, and most recently in Freiburg, he has now taken up the role of Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Graz.

Sebastian’s group is grounded in basic research with the goal of translating findings to the clinic. One major focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Today, the conditions can often be managed with medication but rarely cured. “We strive to find and characterize novel targets for therapeutic interventions,” he says. “Long-term, it’s about improving treatment and working towards curative approaches, not just managing symptoms.”

This mission thrives in Graz’s uniquely collaborative research ecosystem. Interdisciplinarity isn’t just a buzzword here, it’s actively practiced. One example of this approach is the Excellence Cluster MetAge, a cross-disciplinary network exploring the metabolic mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. Another example is BioTechMed-Graz, a strategic alliance between the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, and the Medical University of Graz. Together, they aim to foster groundbreaking research, support young scientists, and invest in shared infrastructure and networking opportunities that spark meaningful collaboration. 

But Sebastian’s collaborative mindset doesn’t end in the lab. Teamwork is a theme that runs through both his professional and personal life. Since arriving, he has been a regular spectator at local professional football games. On the pitch, he sees the power of working together, players relying on one another to achieve a shared goal. And as the running season begins, Sebastian is gearing up for the Grazathlon in June, an obstacle run through the city’s scenic streets and parks. “It’s not just about physical fitness,” he says. “Some of the challenges require teamwork, and that resonates with me.” 

That same emphasis on collaboration is also reflected in his leadership style. Influenced by his international experience, “a bit American,” as he puts it, Sebastian values flat hierarchies and open communication. “We want to create an environment where people can bring their best ideas forward.” That includes dealing with mistakes fairly and transparently and creating space for young researchers to grow. “It’s important to give people the stage, let them present at conferences, publish, and take the next steps in their career, whether that’s a new position here, elsewhere, or even a career outside academia.”

Of course, good work needs time to unfold. But so often, postdoctoral positions come with a ticking clock, contracts that are too short, futures left uncertain. At the University of Graz, Sebastian and his team are doing things differently. They understand that truly meaningful research doesn’t flourish under time constraints, but in spaces where curiosity and care are allowed to breathe. That’s why they’ll be recruiting for two postdoc positions with funding that stretches over six years within his group. Six years to go deep, to belong. It’s a chance not just to work, but to imagine a future with room to breathe and to thrive.

Sebastian is confident that Graz offers the right environment for passionate researchers. “Everyone knows Harvard,” he says with a smile. “But here in Graz, we do excellent research too.” And so, Graz, with its quiet confidence, its cozy cafés, its architectural charm, gains another mind, another voice. And, if you, too, are searching for a place to think, to grow, to run alongside others, then you might find, like Sebastian Preissl, that Graz is not just a stop along the way. It’s the beginning. A way to work for tomorrow.