National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) and the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University have agreed on scientific cooperation, preparation of joint programmes, exchange of researchers and other activities focusing on the use of nanomaterials in medicine. The agreement has been confirmed by both parties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding effective for five years.

Palacký University was established in 1573 as the second-oldest one in the Czech Republic. At first it taught only theology, but soon the fields of philosophy, law and medicine were added. CATRIN at Palacký University is dedicated to advancing researche in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine, including therapic treatments for civilisation diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases caused by antimicrobial resistant microbes. NHRI is a non-profit foundation established by the government in 1995. Our research topics include many aspects of basic biomedical sciences and specific diseases, including aging, cancer, infectious diseases, mental disorders, occupational diseases, and health policy.

Both CATRIN and NHRI aim to enhance biomedical research and medical care to improve healthcare. This newly established cooperation is considered to be mutually beneficial. Already at the first meeting taken place in June this year, we identified specific research activities in which our institutes complement each other and on which our scientists have already started working. The aim of the collaboration is to actively seek appropriate funding for research in joint projects and to share knowledge and experience by hosting scientists, including PhD and MSc students, or at scientific seminars and conferences organised by the partners. We believe that together we can make further significant steps towards understanding, preventing and treating certain diseases.