On November 17, 2025, the University of Szeged and Roche Hungary signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, setting the stage for strengthened collaboration in research, development, and education – and enabling the launch of future joint innovation projects. The agreement places particular emphasis on advancing basic and applied research, as well as expanding clinical trial activities, across a broad range of fields including neurology, immunology, oncology, cardiology, diabetology, rare diseases, ophthalmology, laboratory medicine, and pathology. The partnership also creates an opportunity to shape shared clinical trial strategies tailored to the professional priorities that characterize Hungary’s healthcare landscape.
“For years, the University of Szeged and Roche have been working side by side to design and implement innovative solutions that shape the future of modern medicine. These two long-standing hubs of expertise – each approaching the same mission from a distinct vantage point – are driven by a shared ambition: to bring the most advanced care, technologies, and therapies to patients,” emphasized Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, at the event marking the signing of the latest strategic agreement between SZTE and Roche Hungary.
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
The Chancellor added that the University and Roche Hungary are already conducting – and will continue to launch – joint research and development projects in neurology, immunology, oncology, cardiology, diabetology, rare diseases, ophthalmology, laboratory medicine, and pathology. She also pointed out that the partnership will place particular emphasis on advancing cutting-edge digital health solutions, enhancing care coordination, and improving physician–patient communication, while also supporting prevention and public education and strengthening health literacy.
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
“We consider it particularly important that our developments align with the national research, development, and innovation infrastructure. To this end, we are establishing so-called Advanced Core Facilities – shared, centralized research hubs – building on the University of Szeged’s traditionally strong disciplines. These facilities will give Hungarian researchers access to specialized and often high-cost instruments, technologies, and expert services,” stressed Dr. Judit Fendler.
“Our strategic agreement with the University of Szeged is rooted in a simple yet powerful conviction: quality healthcare is not an expense, but a long-term investment in the country’s health and well-being. We contribute to this investment by accelerating clinical trials and supporting the most advanced research. This is what drives medical innovation – and ultimately leads to measurable improvements in patients’ survival and quality of life. By supporting future generations of physicians, we are also investing in the expertise of tomorrow, which is indispensable for sustaining high-quality care. Our focus remains firmly on patients: we want the benefits of this collaboration to reach them sooner, through treatments that genuinely improve everyday life and help build a healthier, more resilient society over time,” said Dr. Peter Ahnesorg, General Manager of Roche Hungary.
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
Dr. Stavros Chisimellis, Country Manager of Roche Diagnostics Hungary, emphasized that the foundation of truly effective, personalized care is swift and precise diagnosis. “This is why our partnership with the University of Szeged is so pivotal: close collaboration with academic researchers and clinicians is indispensable. It allows us to better understand emerging medical needs, validate next-generation diagnostic solutions in real-world settings, and fully unlock the potential of modern diagnostics. In practice, this means earlier detection, more personalized treatment decisions, and improved recovery prospects for patients. When diagnostics become a seamless, almost invisible part of the care pathway, it fundamentally shifts our focus – enabling us to concentrate much earlier on prevention, early identification, and effective treatment,” the Country Manager concluded.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Szeged on November 17, 2025
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on November 17, 2025, during the University of Szeged’s Innovation Day event – by Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged; Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University; Dr. Peter Ahnesorg, General Manager of Roche Hungary; and Dr. Stavros Chisimellis, Country Manager of Roche Diagnostics Hungary.
SZTEinfo
Feature photo: Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor; Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector; Dr. Peter Ahnesorg, General Manager of Roche Hungary; and Dr. Stavros Chisimellis, Country Manager of Roche Diagnostics Hungary
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
