{"id":321,"date":"2022-03-18T10:52:23","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T09:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/amresu\/?page_id=321"},"modified":"2025-06-18T08:09:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T06:09:36","slug":"events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/amresu\/events\/","title":{"rendered":"Events"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

2nd round of study visit at IdISBA from the view point of Dr Simon, young researcher<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Dr P\u00e9ter Simon<\/em>‘s invitation for the study visit covered the period between September 10, 2023 and October 6, 2023, Son in Mallorca at the IdISBa research center (Fundaci\u00f3n Instituto de Investigaci\u00f3n Sanitaria Islas Baleares).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria is in the main focus of research of the institution in Mallorca, as this is one of the country’s important research sites and samples from the Iberian Peninsula also arrive here for further processing.<\/p>\n

During the 4 weeks he spent on the island, he took part in theoretical and practical training, which he completed with hard work. He was also able to join the research work, in which framework the bacterial resistance and changes in virulence factors were also investigated. During the study trip, he had the opportunity to learn and practice every step of the whole genome sequencing from DNA extraction of bacteria to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of results.<\/p>\n

This knowledge transfer was very useful for him as he had not dealt with sequencing before. The use of bioinformatics tools related to the method was actually\u00a0 neither known for him before.He is sure this knowledge will greatly contribute to his professional work in the future.<\/p>\n

\n

Grant office visit of IdISBA by SU<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Grant office visit of IdISBA by SU on 02 October 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"4 colleagues (Dr Dora Szabo, Orsolya Kotnyek, Patricia Merei, Paula Sarpatki<\/em>) from SU visited the Grant office of Fundaci\u00f3n Instituto de Investigaci\u00f3n Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa) on 02.10.2023 in Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Buiding \u201cS\u201d, 1st Floor.<\/p>\n

Antonio Oliver, Carla L\u00f3pez, Elena Ferragut<\/em> and Ernesto Gonz\u00e1lez-Robles<\/em> welcomed the Hungarian group dealing with innovation and research management, then Elena and Ernesto introduced the operation of the International Projects Office OPI IdISBa. The main projects are collected.The parties were talking about the future proposals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The negotiations continued with the meeting with Carlos Enrique<\/em> from the Innovation Unit and Technological Transfer IdISBa. The parties were discussing about the activities of the innovation unit with special focus on IPR protection, establishment of spin-offs and their success on the market.<\/p>\n

\"\"This session was followed by the visit of Microbiology Area Hospital Universitario Son Espases.<\/p>\n

We agreed that the non-technical staff of IdISBA will also invited to the final meeting in order to get to know the corresponding Hungarian team of SU next March<\/p>\n

\n

Hands-on training and study visit of SU to IdISBA in September 2023<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"David Hummel Phd<\/em> was invited to the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa)<\/strong> for the period 4-29 September 2023<\/strong>. During this period, he was able to participate alongside with Mate Gugolya Phd<\/em> in an intensive, hands-on training on resistance and virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from 4-8 September, which was of a very high quality and also useful.<\/p>\n

The Mallorcan institution has a high level and extensive research on P. aeruginosa and is one of the most important research sites in Spain, receiving clinical samples from all over the country.<\/p>\n

During the study tour, David had the opportunity to learn all the steps of whole genome sequencing, giving him an insight into the whole process, from DNA extraction from bacteria to sequencing. It was extremely useful to see the whole process in one go. The bioinformatic analysis of the results were also introduced.<\/p>\n

\n

The take-away messages of UoB-EUniWell Visiting Fellowship<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

The take-away messages of UoB-EUniWell Visiting Fellowship for SU young researchers (July-August 2023<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

Dr. Judit Sahin-T\u00f3th<\/em> shared here experience gained during the participation on the UoB-EUniWell Visiting Fellowship. Thanks to the fellowship alongside with 3 colleagues she spent a month at the University of Birmingham (UoB), in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences under the supervision of my host, Dr. Manuel Banzhaf.<\/p>\n

The host, Dr. Manuel Banzhaf<\/em> works as a group leader\u202fin the Institute for Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham. His research explores the use of high-throughput approaches to phenotype pathogens. These methods allow him to study the bacterial cell envelope; and how differences in DNA sequences result in phenotypic variability of pathogens to improve antimicrobial treatment regimens. She learnt one of their laboratory techniques, with the help of Dr. Jack Bryant<\/em>, research fellow. He explained the scientific background, and shared their protocol on a technique called TraDIS. TraDIS stands for Transposon Directed Insertion-site Sequencing, which is a powerful molecular genetics technique. It is primarily used to study the essential genes and gene functions in bacterial genomes.<\/p>\n

TraDIS is a valuable tool for understanding gene function, identifying potential drug targets, and studying the biology of bacteria. It provides insights into which genes are crucial for a bacterium\u2019s survival and growth in specific environments, aiding in the development of antimicrobial strategies.<\/p>\n

Our young researchers also met up with Dr. Nicole Wheeler<\/em> to talk about her field of expertise, which is AI and machine learning usage in microbiology. These techniques can be applied in various ways in bacteriology and epidemiology to enhance research, disease diagnosis and prevention. They discussed possible usage in disease prediction, surveillance and antibiotic stewardship. Machine learning is useful because it can analyze historical epidemiological data and environmental factors to predict disease outbreaks. This can aid in early intervention and resource allocation. AI-driven surveillance systems can monitor social media, news reports, and healthcare data to detect disease outbreaks or unusual patterns of symptoms in real-time. AI can also help healthcare providers make informed decisions about antibiotic prescriptions by analyzing patient data and recommending appropriate treatments. Machine learning can monitor antibiotic usage patterns and identify instances of overuse or misuse in healthcare facilities. Apart from these activities they also met up with some of the teaching staff of the School of Bioscence where Dr. Leanne Taylor-Smith, Dr. Julia Lodge, Dr. Scott White<\/em>, and Sophie Hill<\/em> discussed\u00a0 their curriculum and teaching methods for microbiology and they also took our researchers on a laboratory tour both in the labs of the School of Bioscience and in the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory of the university (https:\/\/www.birmingham.ac.uk\/facilities\/collaborative-teaching-laboratory\/ctl.aspx<\/a>). They also had the chance to discusse quality assurance processes with Dr. Debbie Cunningham<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Study visit completed successfully between SU and UANTWERP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Another round of study visit completed successfully between SU and UANTWERP (June 2023<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

\"\"Between 4 and 30 June 2023, we, David Hummel PhD<\/em> with J\u00e1nos Juh\u00e1sz PhD<\/em> of SU, worked together as visiting researchers at the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Antwerp. The focus of our research was the analysis of whole-genome sequences of invasive clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates of Budapest origin. We were assisted in this by BacPipe, an integrated, user-friendly program developed by staff of the local institute, which speeds up and facilitates simultaneous searches in multiple databases. In addition to resistance factors, a thorough search for virulence factors was carried out and the ST and cgMLST types present were identified. These results will allow us to identify clonal complexes specific to the bacterial species and to place the samples studied in a European perspective. We are planning to publish our results soon.<\/p>\n

\n

4 young researchers were granted with the UoB-EUniWell Visiting Fellowship<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

4 young researchers of Institute of Medical Microbiology of SU\u00a0 were granted with the UoB-EUniWell Visiting Fellowship which made it possible for our team to spend a month (Aug. 2023<\/strong>) at the University of Birmingham (UoB)<\/strong>, in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences under the supervision of my host, Dr. Manuel Banzhaf.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The host, Dr. Manuel Banzhaf works as a group leader in the Institute for Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham. His research explores the use of high-throughput approaches to phenotype pathogens. These methods allow him to study the bacterial cell envelope; and how differences in DNA sequences result in phenotypic variability of pathogens to improve antimicrobial treatment regimens.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr. Jack Bryant, research fellow explained the scientific background, and shared their protocol on a technique called TraDIS. TraDIS stands for Transposon Directed Insertion-site Sequencing, which is a powerful molecular genetics technique. It is primarily used to study the essential genes and gene functions in bacterial genomes. Here\u2019s how TraDIS works:\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Transposon Insertion: In TraDIS, a transposon (a DNA sequence that can move around within the genome) is randomly inserted into the bacterial genome. This insertion disrupts the function of the gene where it lands in.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Growth and Sequencing: The modified bacteria are then allowed to grow under specific conditions. The transposon insertions that cause a disadvantage to bacterial growth under those conditions will be less likely to survive.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  3. Sequencing: The surviving bacteria are harvested, and their DNA is sequenced. This sequencing allows researchers to identify the locations where the transposon inserted itself in the genome.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  4. Data Analysis: By analyzing the sequencing data, researchers can determine which genes are essential for bacterial growth under the conditions tested. Genes that are disrupted by transposon insertions and cause a growth disadvantage are likely to be important for the bacterium under those conditions. TraDIS is a valuable tool for understanding gene function, identifying potential drug targets, and studying the biology of bacteria. It provides insights into which genes are crucial for a bacterium\u2019s survival and growth in specific environments, aiding in the development of antimicrobial strategies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Dr. Nicole Wheeler detailed her field of expertise, which is AI and machine learning usage in microbiology. These techniques can be applied in various ways in bacteriology and epidemiology to enhance research, disease diagnosis and prevention. We discussed possible usage in disease prediction, surveillance and antibiotic stewardship.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    We were also taken to a laboratory tour both in the labs of the School of Bioscience and in the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory of the university (https:\/\/www.birmingham.ac.uk\/facilities\/collaborative-teaching-laboratory\/ctl.aspx<\/a>). We also had the chance to discuss quality assurance processes with Dr. Debbie Cunningham. We also enlighten them about the mission of AmReSu project and agreed to submit common research proposals under Horizon Europe.<\/p>\n

    \n

    AmReSu Summer School<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
    AmReSu summer school on the perspective of metagenomic services in the clinical microbiology laboratory
    \n<\/strong><\/div>\n
    when<\/strong>:<\/em> 2023.07.03.-2023.07.07.<\/div>\n
    where<\/strong>:<\/em> Semmelweis Egyetem<\/div>\n
    1089 Budapest, Nagyv\u00e1rad t\u00e9r 4.<\/div>\n
    \n

    The AmReSu consortium organised its Summer School in Budapest, Hungary between July 3rd and July 7th. The speakers included colleagues from UAntwerp, IdISBa, BFM and SU, also life science and health care companies, research institutions were invited as presenters (See the agenda for more details). The AmReSu Summer School was held as a hybrid event, the invited audience could join online and on-site to participate in the lectures. The program itself was a huge success, several PhD students and a lot of university staff participated.<\/p>\n

    The last two days also included practical sessions: On Tuesday the participants could join a wet lab session about sequencing techniques and WGS and on Friday the audience could work with visualization tools used in metagenomics and whole genome sequence analysis.<\/p>\n

    \"Semmelweis\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    download the agenda:<\/div>\n

    agenda<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n

    BIONNALE 2023<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    BIONNALE 2023 is the biggest networking event for life sciences and healthcare industries in the German capital region.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    When?<\/strong> Tuesday and Wednesday, 16-17 May 2023
    \nWhere?<\/strong> BIONNALE 2023 will be an onsite (16 May 2023) in Berlin and virtual (17 May 2023) event.
    \nLocation:<\/strong>
    \nLudwig Erhard Haus, Fasanenstra\u00dfe 85.
    \n10623 Berlin<\/p>\n

    Who will be attending?
    \n<\/strong>Companies and research institutions from the region and beyond looking for co-development or joint research opportunities – Startups with new ideas and innovative approaches – Investors on the corporate, institutional and VC sides and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n

    Further info: <\/strong>https:\/\/bionnale2023.b2match.io\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n

    One PhD student from BFM went to IdISBa for four weeks during March 2023.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    One PhD student from BFM went to IdISBa for four weeks during March 2023. The purpose of the staff exchange was to work with experts in the field of genomics and learn new techniques and methodologies to advance BFMs research capacity. During the one-month visit, one PhD student from BFM had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and attend seminars that provided valuable insights and expertise in the specific area of research.<\/p>\n

    The main goal of this study visit was to conduct the experiment and to analyze the genomic data regarding the resistome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. <\/em>Mentoring activities were carried out during the whole month to provide one student with knowledge on how to perform the complete experiment \u2013 from laboratory part to bioinformatic analysis. Obtained data from this visit will be part of joint publication for both BFM and IdISBa.<\/p>\n

    The activities carried out all through are explained week by week at the Activity Plan Description.<\/p>\n

    Activity Plan Description:<\/p>\n

    1st<\/sup> week: Wet Lab<\/p>\n

    In the first week of the visit, 84 bacterial strains were evenly distributed over the surface of an agar plate medium using spread plate method. The starting material for downstream analysis were bacterial colonies which were growing on the agar plate.<\/p>\n