A delegation from Semmelweis University took part in a two-day working visit to Prague, where they attended a conference organized by the Královské Vinohrady University Hospital (KVUH) and the Third Faculty of Medicine at Charles University. The visit aimed to strengthen existing institutional ties, share experiences in international research collaboration, and explore further opportunities for long-term partnership.
Semmelweis rector meets Charles University leadership
On the first day of the program, Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University, and members of the delegation met with Dr. Jiří Zima, Rector of Charles University, for discussions. During the meeting, they focused on strengthening ties between the institutions and expanding existing cooperation, with the participation of the Third Faculty of Medicine at Charles University. This cooperation may place particular emphasis on faculty and student mobility, joint research initiatives, professional events, and academic exchanges – now extending opportunities beyond medical students to include students of dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and physiotherapy.
A trilateral memorandum of understanding was signed
As one of the key outcomes of the visit to Prague, Dr. Béla Merkely; Dr. David Marx, Vice-Dean for Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs at the Third Faculty of Medicine at Charles University; and Dr. Petr Toušek, Director of Research and Science at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, signed an expanded trilateral memorandum of understanding between the institutions. The agreement is intended to further strengthen international scientific and research cooperation, as well as long-term partnership between the institutions.
International conference on research collaboration
On October 14, the delegation attended a conference titled “Internationalization of Research – The Perspective of University Hospitals,” which was hosted by the Vinohrady Medical Campus. The event explored institutional practices in international research collaboration, the importance of partnerships between university hospitals, and the opportunities for researcher collaboration at various stages of a career.
At the conference session titled “Internationalization in Practice: Approaches to International Research Collaboration,” Dr. Béla Merkely – who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Charles University last year – also gave a presentation in which he discussed, among other things, Harvard Medical School’s Clinical Science Scholars (CSS) Program at Semmelweis University. Dr. Pavla Tichá, a clinical research physician, also shared her experiences on the impact of the CSS program on her career – an opportunity that opened up new dimensions for her in exploring and capitalizing on international research.
Representatives from the Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien), the university clinic of the Bogomolets National Medical University in Ukraine, and the host Královské Vinohrady University Hospital also participated in the international academic program.
The conference also focused on the experiences of the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA), researchers’ career paths, and examples of successful international collaborations. The event was co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.
A joint discussion on the future of university hospitals in Central and Eastern Europe
On the second day, the dialogue continued during the session titled “Prospects for Medical Research Collaboration in Central and Eastern Europe.” The exchange between Semmelweis University and its Czech partners may create new opportunities to deepen educational and research ties, promote joint professional initiatives, and intensify cooperation among university hospitals in Central and Eastern Europe. All of this can help the university further strengthen its position within the European higher education and research landscape and become an active contributor to the continent’s scientific and strategic collaborations.
Mária Nagy, Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs
Translation: Judit Dőtsch
Photos by Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs; iStock
