Leaders and researchers from the global Pasteur Network gathered once again this year – this time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – for their annual conference, held in collaboration with the local Pasteur Institute from October 21 to 23. The University of Szeged was represented at the international event by Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development, and Róbert Kurucz, Head of Innovation Management.
Representing the University of Szeged at the Pasteur Network Annual Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development, noted that “this was the third occasion on which staff members of the University of Szeged were invited to take part in this event.” She added, “Our University has already established cooperation agreements with three members of the Pasteur Network – the Institut Pasteur in Paris (2023), the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo (2024), and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (2024) – and also maintains active academic collaboration with the Pasteur Institute in French Guiana.”
Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, SZTE’S Director-General for Strategy and Development, speaking at the event
This year’s conference focused on epidemiological preparedness, the spread of diseases linked to climate change, and inclusive health innovations aimed at ensuring access for all – addressing some of today’s most pressing global public health challenges. Additional key topics included immunity; infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites; vaccine production; public engagement in research; and the promotion of gender equality in science.
Through plenary sessions, research presentations, workshops, roundtable discussions, and other interactive programs, participants explored new ways to collaborate, exchange ideas, and share best practices.
A special highlight of this year’s conference was the launch of the “40 Under 40” program, which provided forty researchers under the age of forty from institutes across the Pasteur Network with the opportunity to present their latest findings in infectious disease research. The initiative aims to inspire and engage younger generations of scientists while promoting research careers within the Network.
The University of Szeged was represented at the international event by staff members of the Directorate General for Strategy and Development: Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development, and Róbert Kurucz, Head of Innovation Management. In their presentation, they introduced SZTE’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK), which connects and integrates applied science and technology platforms across the University. They also highlighted the role of organizational innovation in enhancing SZTE’s research, development, and innovation (RDI) performance, and outlined potential areas for meaningful collaboration with other members of the Pasteur Network.
The Pasteur Network brings together more than 30 institutes that play a key role in addressing global health challenges through cutting-edge research, innovation, and public health initiatives. Its international significance lies in its truly global reach, with member institutes operating in every geographic region across 25 countries on five continents. As a partner of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Network also works closely with national and regional health authorities and operates more than 50 reference laboratories as well as 17 WHO Collaborating Centers.
Previous articles on SZTE’s cooperation with the Pasteur Institute:
https://pasteur-network.org/
https://u-szeged.hu/news-and-events/2025/szte-enters-strategic
Source: IKIKKinfo
