2025. July 24., Thursday

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Investigating Rare Diseases

A research programme for the development of novel diagnostic and therapy procedures for rare diseases has been launched at the University of Szeged. The programme focuses on rare metabolic diseases, genetically determined heart diseases and skin diseases.

Rare diseases affect less than 1 in 2000 people and it is estimated that around eight to nine hundred thousand people in Hungary are affected by some kind of rare disease. There are several thousand rare diseases, the majority are genetically determined, but the number of diseases related to various infections or the immune system is also significant says Márta Széll, head of the project.


At the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Szeged, infants are screened for 26 different metabolic diseases where an early diagnosis is crucial. Researchers are developing methods for the precise determination of the genetic background of these diseases, opening the door for personalized therapy.


A Hungarian clinical databank will also be established and expanded in the scientific framework of the project. This databank is essential for customized diagnostics and therapy and for the planning of up-to-date basic and pharmaceutical research based on genetic findings. The genome-level database will radically improve therapeutic safety in daily medical care and family planning and it will also help decrease the incidence of severe genetic diseases.


The outcomes of this programme will provide an unparalleled opportunity, to understand the pathogenesis of rare diseases, to develop novel diagnostic and therapy procedures, and for the longterm integration of all these processes into clinical practice.

SZTE Experience

95930002_620793281842686_908476219798847488_oDianne - Faculty of Science and Informatics

I am a PhD student and a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder from the Philippines. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Environmental Science and I happen to be in my 3rd year of studies. I chose University of Szeged because its one of the top ranked research university in Hungary known for its good reputation in the fields of health and natural sciences. Coming from the Philippines with a warm climate, I had huge preference of Szeged for my studies, the city having the most rays of sunshine and considered to be the warmest place in Hungary. I would advise all the prospective students to join University of Szeged’s diverse and vibrant community! Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone, try to find and establish your niche in a new place like what I did. I didn’t regret coming to Szeged as it continuously provides me an enabling learning environment for various reasons, has affordable cost of living, very safe and calm university town, organized transport system, beautiful and clean surroundings with the very sightly Tisza River which adds to its appeal, and also holds many festivals throughout the year. After graduation, I am planning to go back to my home institution and continue my teaching duties at the University of the Philippines Los Baños

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Nikki - Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies

My name is Nikki and I am from Iran. Currently I am a second year student studying Physiotherapy at the University of Szeged. I really like the Environment of Szeged as it is a true University City where you can meet people from around the world. I consider Szeged as my second home since I have established my own path here and I have a lot of friends who make me feel home. The reason why I came to Szeged is because I was informed by one of my friends about the fact that the University degrees are EU accredited and will help me to reach my goals and open doors for future job opportunities. Once I have obtained my degree, I would like to stay in Hungary and pursue a post graduate program. Later on I will seize the opportunity to gain some job experience in my field here in Hungary before I hold my ground in Europe.

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