Since recently, Amelie Sigge is working on a new health risk as part of her PhD project at CSHI, in collaboration with Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich: infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. These are becoming increasingly common in Europe [1][2].
Diseases such as dengue fever or infections with the Zika, West Nile or Chikungunya viruses pose new challenges for the continent and its public health. Austria is not immune to this either. On the contrary, as a country characterised by tourism and cross-border mobility, the increase in such infectious diseases poses a growing threat to Austria's public health [3][4].
So, what can be done? “Fight the Bite,” was Amelie’s response, as she will continue to address this very issue as a PhD candidate. Her research will focus in particular on the topics of prevention and resilience. In practical terms, the aim is to identify gaps in knowledge as well as factors that promote and inhibit crisis preparedness and, based on this, to develop evidence-based options for action to strengthen public health in Austria.
The research project will pursue a participatory mixed-methods approach, involving both the general population and experts in the field. Ultimately, the PhD project aims to support decision-makers in addressing climate- and health-related risks early and effectively in order to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Amelie is a graduate of both the bachelor's degree program Nonprofit, Social & Health Care Management and the master's degree program International Health & Social Management at MCI. During these programs, aspects of the health and social sector are combined with fundamentals from economics, political science and international management.
In addition, students are prepared for the current challenges in this sector and acquire the ability to further develop healthcare at the national and international level. This was something Amelie didn't need to be told twice, and she seized the opportunity to build her PhD project on her successfully completed master's thesis on the same topic.
However, a PhD position is not the only highly interesting career path after completing the master's program. It also opens up a wide range of opportunities for graduates in the national and international health and social sectors. Alumni hold positions in management in health organisations, politics, consulting, project management and entrepreneurship, among others.
The PhD project ‘Fight the Bite’ impressively demonstrates how global challenges can be addressed locally and practical solutions developed. It is thus exemplary for a new generation of researchers in the health and social sector who are committed to protecting and promoting public health in a sustainable manner with dedication and expertise.
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[1] ECDC. (2024). Worsening spread of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in EU/EEA, according to latest ECDC figures. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/worsening-spread-mosquito-borne-disease-outbreaks-eueea-according-latest-ecdc-figures?
[2] AGES. (2026). Infos zu Gelsen und Krankheiten [Information about mosquitoes and diseases]. Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit. https://www.ages.at/mensch/krankheit/infos-zu-gelsen-und-krankheiten
[3] Land Tirol. (2024). The Tyrol in Europe: Contacts with other regions. Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung. https://www.tirol.gv.at/en/the-tyrol-in-europe/contacts-with-other-regions/
[4] Fuehrer, H.‑P., Schoener, E., Weiler, S., Barogh, B. S., Zittra, C., & Walder, G. (2020). Monitoring of alien mosquitoes in Western Austria (Tyrol, Austria, 2018). PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008433
Amelie Sigge, PhD candidate at the Center for Social & Health Innovation ©MCI/Aaron Heimerl
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