About us
Our team of highly qualified medical professionals and scientists has many years of experience in the field of medical human genetics. Through comprehensive expertise, continuous further training, and a high level of quality awareness, we ensure precise and reliable diagnostic results.
Our HISTORY

Our company was founded at the end of 2014 by Prof. Dr. Markus Hengstschläger, Priv. Doz. Dr. Franco Laccone, and Priv. Doz. Dr. Jürgen Neesen – three leading experts from the Medical University of Vienna. Originally, our focus was on reproductive genetics and fertility diagnostics. Since then, we have evolved into a provider of a comprehensive spectrum of human genetic analyses.
In 2022, we became part of Darwin AG. As a subsidiary, we benefit from synergies within the group that allow us to use our resources more efficiently and accelerate our development projects.
Our LICENSES
We have many years of experience in various areas of human genetics. As the only privately managed laboratory in Austria, we are legally licensed to perform the following examinations:
- Postnatal testing for monogenic hereditary diseases
- Polar body diagnosis (PBD) for monogenic hereditary diseases
- Polar body diagnosis (PBD) for aneuploidies
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for chromosomal changes
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for translocations
- Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for monogenic hereditary diseases according to the Austrian Genetic Analysis Register
our MANAGEMENT
Our experts have many years of experience in medical-genetic diagnostics and research and actively contribute their extensive expertise to the reporting of our examinations. Through their expertise, they ensure the high quality of our diagnostics and contribute to the further development of our range of services.
Priv. Doz. Dr. Franco Laccone
Specialist in Human Genetics
- Head of the Clinical Department of the Institute of Medical Genetics at the Medical University of Vienna
- Private practice with a focus on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
- Research group leader at the Institute of Medical Genetics at the Medical University of Vienna
- Founding member and Laboratory Director of HLN-Genetik GmbH
Priv. Doz. Dr. Jürgen Neesen
Human Geneticist
- Laboratory Manager at the Institute of Medical Genetics at the Medical University of Vienna
- Founding member and Laboratory Director of HLN-Genetik GmbH
FLORIAN SCHNEEBAUER MMSc.
Geneticist
- Managing Director of HLN-Genetik GmbH
- Operational Management of the Laboratory
- Focus on Molecular Genetics (Exome Diagnostics)
our ADVISORS
Our advisors support HLN-Genetik GmbH with strategic issues without being involved in operational activities.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Markus Hengstschläger
Human Geneticist
- Head of the Organizational Unit of the Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics at the Medical University of Vienna
- Head of the Institute of Medical Genetics at the Medical University of Vienna
- Vice Chairman of the Austrian Bioethics Commission
- Founding member of HLN-Genetik GmbH
OUR TEAM
Distinguished by our multidisciplinary expertise, we work together to find the optimal solution for every challenge.
Vivienne Arnold, MSc.
Biomedical Analyst & Bioinformatician
Barbora Belakova, MSc.
Molecular Biologist
Mag. Julia Bosenge
Human Biologist
Martha Haider, BSc.
Biomedical Analyst
Franziska Hanzer, BSc.
Molecular Biologist
Beatrix Weil
Biochemical Analyst
Mag. Manuela Zechmeister
Biochemist
OUR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Our top priority is compliance with the highest quality standards in order to consistently provide our patients and referring physicians with reliable and precise diagnostic results. Through rigorous internal quality assurance and careful documentation, we ensure that our procedures and processes always meet the highest requirements.
Our laboratory analyses are subject to strict, regularly performed internal reviews based on clearly defined protocols and are continuously adapted to the latest scientific findings. Furthermore, we regularly participate in external quality assurance programs (proficiency testing) to validate and optimize the quality of our results.
Through these comprehensive measures, we continuously guarantee optimal quality and reliability of our diagnostic services, thereby creating a solid foundation for the highest medical precision and patient safety.