Investigating Endemic Diseases
A new research programme investigating the possibilities for treating neurological, inflammatory and degenerative muscle diseases has been launched. The programme will involve researchers from the University of Szeged and from the Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Science, Szeged.
At the moment, the most common public health issues include neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract and cardiovascular diseases. The processes leading to these problems are still not completely known; therapy options are scarce and the available medication usually just alleviate the symptoms of these diseases.
Prof. Dr. László Vécsei, lead investigator of the project says that “The processes involved in the degeneration of the nervous system may differ with each disease but there might be common underlying mechanisms.
The goal of this four-year project is to investigate the role of kynurenines in the function of the nervous system, the immune system and the muscular system. Kynurenines are compounds found in the human body, produced during the degradation of an essential amino acid, tryptophan. Kynurenines take part in the functioning of the immune system and also have an important role in neurodegenerative disorders. Long-term research plans include the development of molecules that allows the manipulation of these systems through kynurenines, and thus opening new therapeutic possibilities.
Prof. Vécsei emphasized that the programme aims to train and equip the next generation of future researchers as well as seeking patent-eligible scientific results and publishing scientific publications. The programme will help keep talented young researchers in Hungary by providing an opportunity to carry out valuable research and to earn a doctoral degree.
SZTE Experience
Tamerlan Mendybayev – Faculty of Agriculture
My name is Tamerlan Mendybayev. I am from capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan. Currently I am first year student at the Faculty of Agriculture. I chose the University of Szeged as my study destination for several reasons: firstly, it is a well-known applied science institution in Europe and the best in Hungary. Secondly, the program is designed with a significant focus on the developing practical skills of the students and there is a University pilot farm where students keen their skills and implement their knowledge in practice. Undoubtedly, University of Szeged is a place where students become professionals in their academic field.
Olney Rodrigues - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
My name is Olney Rodrigues de Oliveira and I am from Brazil. I am currently pursuing my PhD studies in the Doctoral School of Education at SZTE. I chose the University of Szeged because it’s one of the best universities in Europe, especially in the field of education. I personally love Szeged because it is safe and I love the architecture, the cultural events, the local Market Mars Tér and so many other beautiful destinations. For my studies I wanted to have an excellent university in a good quality life city and Szeged offers me that. It’s neither too big nor too small, I can ride my bike to go to my classes and practically everything is within a walking distance. I would advise the prospective students to enjoy the city during their stay, the cultural and historical events, know other international students and make a lot of friends, visit other cities in Hungary and make good memories. I am pretty sure that you will be proud of this priceless experience. Before coming to Hungary I worked several years as a teacher. I love the academic environment, the libraries, relationship with students and the feeling to be involved in the acquisition of new knowledge. That is why I plan to be part of a University as a professor as well as to keep researching in different aspects of the process of education. I am so thankful to be here and I believe that the Universe brought me to Szeged because the city and the University are the experience that I need in my life now.
