Messerli Research Institute (Messerli)

The Messerli Research Institute (Messerli), located in Austria, is a premier academic institution dedicated to the scientific study of the human-animal relationship. Founded with the vision of Herta Messerli to foster a deeper understanding of animals to improve their welfare, the institute operates at the intersection of biology, veterinary medicine, psychology, philosophy, and law. Its core mission is to advance knowledge in animal cognition, behavior, and the ethics of human-animal interactions through a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach.

Research and Scientific Focus

The institute is a hub for high-level research, focusing on the cognitive and emotional lives of animals. Key research areas include:

• Comparative Cognition: Investigating the thinking and feeling processes of animals.
• Ethics of Human-Animal Relationships: Bridging the gap between theoretical ethics and practical application.
• Comparative Medicine: Exploring the biological and medical foundations of animal health and behavior.

The institute maintains several specialized research facilities and associated centers, such as the Clever Dog Lab, the Wolf Science Center, and various laboratories dedicated to domestication and behavioral studies, which serve as the foundation for their academic output.

Academic Programs and Training

Messerli offers an international Master’s degree program in Human-Animal Interactions (IMHAI). This curriculum is deeply integrated with the institute's ongoing research, ensuring that students receive a science-based, competency-oriented education. The program is designed to develop and disseminate guidelines for the responsible treatment of animals, preparing students for professional roles that require a sophisticated understanding of animal welfare and ethics.

Professional Certification and Public Service

Beyond academic degrees, the Messerli Research Institute plays a vital role in public service and professional standards. Commissioned by the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, the institute acts as an official testing and coordination body for canine-related professions. Its responsibilities include:

• Therapy and Assistance Dogs: Serving as an official testing center for the certification of therapy and assistance dogs.
• Dog Trainer Certification: Acting as the coordination office for the qualification of animal-welfare-certified dog trainers.

By combining high-level international research with practical, government-mandated certification programs, the Messerli Research Institute remains a cornerstone of canine science and animal welfare in Austria, ensuring that scientific insights are translated into both academic excellence and real-world practice.