Mission Statement

Science and Research

The broad range of basic and applied research conducted at the TiHo produces results of the highest calibre in both veterinary medicine and biology. This is crucial to our ability to continue to attract internationally acclaimed scientists to our institution. Research is focused on the following key areas

• Infection medicine
• Clinical research
• Systems neuroscience
• Animal health and food quality

Research at the TiHo is fundamentally devoted to increasing our understanding of the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases and to improving animal welfare. Furthermore, research is being conducted on the health of food animals, on the quality of food of animal origin and consumer safety, and on the importance of animal genetic diversity. These goals are supported by our continuing expansion of regional, national and international cooperative agreements with other universities and extramural research institutes.

Courses of Study and Instruction

The TiHo provides its students an excellent education in all areas of veterinary medicine and animal biology in a broad context ranging from fundamental research to practical clinical training. The curriculum of the TiHo is also constantly under review within an ongoing dialog among students, teachers and practitioners in order to ensure everything possible is done within its legal framework to meet new challenges arising within the discipline and in society. It is the aim of the TiHo to enable its students to think independently and to seek solutions to problems, thus preparing them for lifelong learning.

Students at the TiHo are expected to be interested in the natural sciences. They are also encouraged to work in university committees dedicated to maintaining and constantly improving the quality of their studies, to become involved in social issues, and to develop international contacts.

Continuing education for postgraduates includes international Ph.D. programmes and coursework within the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation. National and international cooperative arrangements provide dynamic support for the professional development of young scientists.

Lifelong learning is clearly essential in the constantly changing field of veterinary medicine. The TiHo thus offers high-level training courses for practicing veterinarians in order to give them direct access to new developments in the field.

Patient Care and Public Service Duties

Our patients and their owners are provided a complete range of treatments with the latest technologies in both clinical and herd health management contexts. Cooperation among TiHo specialists from a wide variety of disciplines makes it possible to work efficiently and effectively both in very specialized areas as well as in wide reaching interdisciplinary issues.

The TiHo is also a leader in the prophylaxis and treatment of disease. As part of its duties in zoonosis control, public health, food safety and consumer protection, the TiHo is the primary authority for these issues. One of the central scientific goals of the TiHo is to constantly improve animal welfare and health.

Our Public Image

The TiHo is well known as an institution of higher learning and advanced research with a long tradition of excellence, competence, progressiveness and dedication. The TiHo is recognized for its innovativeness and excellence in research, teaching and services, which are constantly in great demand. The TiHo actively publicizes its achievements and services wherever appropriate, and is always available for expert consultation.

Financial Goals

It is the goal of the TiHo to increase acquisition of funds while using its means efficiently and effectively. Financial decisions at the TiHo are thus based on effective money management in combination with an appropriate level of investment. Funds are allocated on the basis of tasks assigned and results achieved in order to encourage innovation and increase motivation by rewarding excellence.

In particular, the financial goals of the TiHo are to secure its public funding including its investments and the maintenance of facilities and technical resources; to create financial possibilities for research and teaching by providing funding on the basis of performance; to acquire external funding in both existing and innovative areas; and to develop and sustain sources for the TiHo foundation.

International Relations

The TiHo is deeply dedicated to the international development of veterinary science. It maintains scientific contacts and official partnership agreements with numerous universities in other countries. These partnerships and international exchange programmes make possible an intense exchange of students and scientists and a wide range of joint research projects.

A large number of foreign students are enrolled at the TiHo within the limits set by state admissions policy. The TiHo offers foreign students, interns and guest scientists opportunities to familiarize themselves here with all areas of veterinary medicine. Furthermore, alumni programmes are being developed to promote internationalization and strengthen ties with students from developing and emerging countries.

Internal Structures and Procedures

Highly motivated employees are fundamental to our success in achieving the goals of the TiHo. The internal structures and procedures of the TiHo provide a flexible framework for fulfilling its fundamental goals and tasks in research, teaching and services. These structures and procedures provide the basis for efficient functioning and make it possible to accomplish tasks effectively. Decision-making pathways are direct and transparent.

The organizational units of the TiHo make use of synergies, encourage cooperation, avoid overlapping and multiple structures, and support its major scientific goals.

The TiHo also actively supports the concept of equal opportunities for women and men.

External and internal evaluation and quality control processes established at all levels contribute to constant improvement of the TiHo's performance.