Semmelweis University’s new, 3 Tesla PET/MRI device opens up new horizons for both basic and translational research, pointed out Dr. József Bódis, State Secretary for Higher Education at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, at the ceremony held at the Centre for Theoretical Medicine (EOK). “In an institution where extensive applied research takes place based on basic research, and modern medical training is ongoing, the procurement of such a device is inevitable,” he added. The state secretary also stressed that he was particularly keen to support the scientific, research and innovation direction that Semmelweis University is taking on a daily basis.
“Our new PET/MRI device is part of the translational approach to help research to be used in clinical practice as soon as possible,” said Rector Dr. Béla Merkely. He reminded that the Békésy György Biophysical Research Centre, which houses the machine, has a unique ability to investigate a scientific problem from the level of individual molecules to the whole organism.
This translational, “from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside” approach permeates the university’s research activities
– he stressed.
Successful molecular imaging work with animal models has already led to a number of useful scientific observations at the centre. The development is also aligned with the university’s ambition to create high-value core facilities in a large educational-research institute or clinic. „Within this system, we provide services to both university researchers and external partners that can generate further joint results and collaborations. Furthermore, this will improve our competitiveness and bring us one step closer to our goal of becoming one of the top 100 higher education institutions in the world, and one of the top 5 medical universities in Europe,” he concluded.
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The installation of the PET/MRI facility in order to examine small animal models for research purposes, which offers special technological solutions and enables the most innovative experiments, is part of an important university concept, reminded Dr. Miklós Kellermayer, Director at the Institute of Biophysics and Radiobiology and Dean of the Faculty of General Medicine. According to him, the Nanobiotechnology and In Vivo Imaging Centre, which is part of the institute and later became part of the Békésy Research Centre, was established 13 years ago with the cooperation of Semmelweis University and Mediso Ltd., a medical imaging equipment developer and manufacturer. The aim was to obtain as much information as possible from the smallest possible volume of the human body, as well as to create the infrastructural conditions for this. “Our approach is to resolve science riddles starting from the level of individual molecules, through a system of small sized animal models, then ultimately, to the diseased human body,” he said.
The research centre, which has a growing track record of publication and innovation, has recently become part of the high-level core facilitation system at the Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), which is part-owned by the university. This infrastructure is enriched by the current development, and the device is operated by the university in collaboration with Mediso Ltd.
PET-MRI translational imaging research at Semmelweis University is now being developed to provide more accurate measurements with unparalleled sensitivity for research into the diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Palma Dobozi
Translation: Viktória Kiss
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
