The Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Pharmacy hosted its seventh International PhD Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences between January 29 and 31, 2025. The three-day event brought together participants from 18 universities across 13 countries, featuring nearly 60 presentations on cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.
“The PhD conference allows students to experience what researchers do at large scientific conferences, but in a more friendly and intimate setting,” said Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, conference chair, head of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, and Strategic Director at the University of Szeged, who delivered the welcome address at the conference.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya, Vice Rector for Science, Research Development and Innovation at the University of Szeged, pointed out to students that their PhD years would be among the most rewarding periods of their lives. He also encouraged them to make the most of opportunities like the PhD conference in Szeged.
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| International PhD Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Szeged Photo by Anna Bobkó |
Dr. Péter Mezei, Director of the Doctoral Institute at the University of Szeged, addressed the conference participants online, commending the organizers and highlighting the networking opportunities such events offer. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Zsolt Szakonyi, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, encouraged PhD students to actively engage in the event by asking questions, responding to one another, and participating in discussions. Next, Prof. Dr. Judit Hohmann delivered a presentation on the Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration.
Luca Uhljar, chair of the conference’s organizing committee, was proud to announce that the seventh International PhD Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Szeged hosted doctoral students from 18 universities across 13 countries, including Indonesia, Turkey, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. She also highlighted that, over the course of three days, nearly 60 presentations, both offline and online, would be delivered across nine sessions, with this year’s theme focused on ‘in vitro – in vivo’ translation.
Reflecting the conference’s theme, the plenary lecture was given by Dr. Zoltán Veréb, scientific leader at the University’s Biobank, who provided an in-depth overview of the facility’s operations. Subsequently, participants even had the opportunity to visit the biobank in person.
Conference participants were also treated to various cultural programs. At the University’s Klebelsberg Library, they had the chance to explore the exhibition Katalin Karikó’s Journey to the Nobel Prize and Beyond. Additionally, for evening entertainment, the organizers put on a Quiz Night, offering a lively and interactive way for participants to unwind and connect.
Original Hungarian text and photo by Anna Bobkó
Feature photo: Conference participants from 18 universities across 13 countries in front of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s main building
