Now the Head of the Albert Schweitzer Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology at the Geriatric Health Centres of the City of Graz(GGZ) has been honoured at the STEIRERIN Awards 2026 in the "Care & Social Affairs" category.

But first things first: Her professional career began with a keen interest in health issues. Judith Goldgruber actually wanted to study medicine and psychology in Graz, but then she came across the offer in Pinkafeld and the then new degree programme, which combined medical and psychological content with management subjects, rather by chance. This mix convinced her immediately. Even years later, her assessment is clear: "I'm proud at myself for making this decision, because it opened doors for me."

During her studies, practical insights had a particularly strong impact on her. An external lecturer, who taught topics such as controlling and project management, inspired her for organisational contexts and had a lasting impact on her. The lecturer was Gerd Hartinger, Managing Director of GGZ and her mentor for many years.

Judith Goldgruber was the very first student at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences to complete an internship at GGZ - many students were to do the same in the years that followed. After graduating, she first worked as a research assistant at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences before moving to the GGZ.

Today, Judith Goldgruber heads the Albert Schweitzer Institute, which she founded in 2014. The research institute works at the interface of digital health, dementia and health promotion - three areas that Goldgruber describes as highly topical and socially relevant. Together with her team, she works on third-party funded research and development projects. One particular focus is on informal care.

At the heart of her work is the Albert Schweitzer Training Centre for family carers, which has already won the institute several awards. It offers family carers a protected learning and practice space for caring at home and at the same time strengthens their self-care. The programme ranges from basic knowledge about care and support to practical training formats that are individually tailored to the needs of family carers. Topics include communication with people with dementia, mobilisation and movement, nutrition in old age, personal hygiene and adapting living spaces.

For her, this work is more than just a job. Judith Goldgruber experiences it as meaningful and full of creative possibilities.

Photos: (c)Ortner, (c)Furgler, (c)Erwin Scheriau