Investigating Rare Diseases
A research programme for the development of novel diagnostic and therapy procedures for rare diseases has been launched at the University of Szeged. The programme focuses on rare metabolic diseases, genetically determined heart diseases and skin diseases.
Rare diseases affect less than 1 in 2000 people and it is estimated that around eight to nine hundred thousand people in Hungary are affected by some kind of rare disease. There are several thousand rare diseases, the majority are genetically determined, but the number of diseases related to various infections or the immune system is also significant says Márta Széll, head of the project.
At the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Szeged, infants are screened for 26 different metabolic diseases where an early diagnosis is crucial. Researchers are developing methods for the precise determination of the genetic background of these diseases, opening the door for personalized therapy.
A Hungarian clinical databank will also be established and expanded in the scientific framework of the project. This databank is essential for customized diagnostics and therapy and for the planning of up-to-date basic and pharmaceutical research based on genetic findings. The genome-level database will radically improve therapeutic safety in daily medical care and family planning and it will also help decrease the incidence of severe genetic diseases.
The outcomes of this programme will provide an unparalleled opportunity, to understand the pathogenesis of rare diseases, to develop novel diagnostic and therapy procedures, and for the longterm integration of all these processes into clinical practice.
SZTE Experience
Olney Rodrigues - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
My name is Olney Rodrigues de Oliveira and I am from Brazil. I am currently pursuing my PhD studies in the Doctoral School of Education at SZTE. I chose the University of Szeged because it’s one of the best universities in Europe, especially in the field of education. I personally love Szeged because it is safe and I love the architecture, the cultural events, the local Market Mars Tér and so many other beautiful destinations. For my studies I wanted to have an excellent university in a good quality life city and Szeged offers me that. It’s neither too big nor too small, I can ride my bike to go to my classes and practically everything is within a walking distance. I would advise the prospective students to enjoy the city during their stay, the cultural and historical events, know other international students and make a lot of friends, visit other cities in Hungary and make good memories. I am pretty sure that you will be proud of this priceless experience. Before coming to Hungary I worked several years as a teacher. I love the academic environment, the libraries, relationship with students and the feeling to be involved in the acquisition of new knowledge. That is why I plan to be part of a University as a professor as well as to keep researching in different aspects of the process of education. I am so thankful to be here and I believe that the Universe brought me to Szeged because the city and the University are the experience that I need in my life now.
Hamza Baniata – Faculty of Science and Informatics
I am Hamza Baniata, a first-year student at the Doctoral School of Computer Science, and I am From Jordan. SZTE is continuously supporting research and it has an internationally recognized, highly ranked group of professors. It also offers courses and research topics that are strongly related to my research field; Cloud Computing, Fog Computing and Internet of Things. All of this motivated me to apply to the University/Department of Software Engineering. Szeged is a calm city, full of love and peace. The University of Szeged is similar to the city, which provides the perfect environment for creation and development. Studying at the university requires a high level of effort, commitment and seriousness. Applying to the university and having these characteristics are my two pieces of advice to prospective students. It is very early to define my future now, but I am planning to apply to a research position in my field after graduation and if I had the opportunity, I would love to contribute my effort and knowledge in advancing such a wonderful and respected university.
