Study design and sample size calculation incl. development of research hypotheses as well as the statistical analysis of study data are the core of veterinary epidemiology and biostatistics. In this context, the institute conducts research in the areas Veterinary Epidemiology (e.g. development of monitoring systems) and Biostatistics (e.g. modelling, statistical methods).

Main research interests are in the area of Veterinary Public Health, i.e. veterinary medicine in the context of public health. The spectrum covers the range from animal welfare, animal health (animal disease control), and food safety to control of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

In addition, the institute participates in research projects from different disciplines, being responsible for the methodical aspects of study design and data analysis.

The institute consists of three working groups:

• Veterinary Public Health,
• Applied Epidemiology,  and
• Modelling.