The visit to this well-regarded centre focused on molecular and biomedical research will support the development of spin-off companies and technology transfer at Masaryk University. The MU delegation therefore included MU Rector Martin Bareš, Director of the Centre for Technology Transfer Radoslav Trautmann, CEO of MUNI Ventures Dagmar Vágnerová Linnertová and Good Manufacturing Practice Manager from the Faculty of Pharmacy Jiří Moninec, who all joined the Deputy Governor of the South Moravian Region Jan Zámečník.
“At the Biozentrum, we saw how cutting-edge research can go hand in hand with the industry and practical applications. We gained inspiration for supporting the development of our spin-off companies and technology transfer, which also naturally feeds into the MUNI BioPharma Hub project. At the same time, we established valuable contacts with research teams and industry representatives, which could prove important for future collaboration,” says Rector Martin Bareš.
The University of Basel is the oldest Swiss university and a European hub for biomedical research, with around 13,000 students. Its Biozentrum is an icon: a 16-storey building with three underground levels brimming with laboratories where hundreds of researchers study cell processes, the molecular mechanisms of diseases and new treatment options. The Biozentrum maintains a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and uses advanced technology platforms, such as those for cell imaging, proteomics, bioinformatics and FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting, a method for analysing and sorting cells based on their properties). The centre is also a part of national and international networks including the Basel Stem Cell Network and contributes to major projects tackling antibiotic resistance, such as AntiResist.
Primo Leo Schär, the vice-rector for research at the University of Basel, introduced the Czech delegation to how this ecosystem works. Participants learned about projects such as SEAL Therapeutics AG, a spin-off developing gene therapy for muscular dystrophy, and the NCCR AntiResist. The delegation was also introduced to the work of the university’s Innovation Office, which systematically supports technology transfer and cooperation with industry.
For Masaryk University, the visit has a direct link to the development of the MUNI BioPharma Hub project. Rector Martin Bareš presented the Hub in Basel as the Czech response to the need to strengthen our resilience against societal and health-related threats. The presentation was well received by our Swiss partners and the follow-up discussion brought up specific opportunities for collaboration, particularly in drug research and translating research results into practice.
The trip also included a cultural element, as the delegation attended and supported the first St Wenceslas Feast at the Czech Embassy in Bern. Diplomats, business representatives and members of the Czech community enjoyed Moravian specialities, a selection of South Moravian wines and live cimbalom music. The event also featured a video presentation of the MUNI BioPharma Hub along with banners and promotional materials from Masaryk University.
“Besides showcasing our traditions, wine and food, this was a great opportunity to meet our international partners. The relationships we established will help us advance cross-border projects that are key for South Moravia and opened new possibilities for cooperation in research, innovation and regional development,” says Deputy Governor Jan Zámečník.