Széchenyi István University hosted a professional event based on the linQ Catalyst methodology of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 12 to 14 November. The programme aims to generate health innovations that will contribute to the advancement of medicine and improve people's health.

Catalyst Europe is a unique methodological initiative based on the Catalyst Programme developed by MIT linQ. It focuses on generating and supporting health research projects, with the goal of creating a paradigm shift in research approaches and accelerating the impact of results in healthcare.

Széchenyi István University is a key partner of Catalyst Europe. This year, as in the previous year, 12 out of nearly 40 applicants were accepted into the programme, representing Hungary (including Széchenyi University), Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland. At the professional event in Győr, participants not only learned from mentors from the US, Germany, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Hungary but also received guidance to kickstart research projects that could lead to significant developments and products benefiting medicine within a few years. Among the mentors were two colleagues from Széchenyi István University, Dr Péter Törzsök and Dr Péter Prukner.

Participants of the opening ceremony (Photo: András Adorján)

Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at the University, said during the opening ceremony that the institution was proud to host the event for the second time. She highlighted that the success of last year's event is evident in the fact that three projects have since progressed to the second phase of the programme, during which researchers are actively working on implementing their ideas. "As an institution with a strong tradition and expertise in technology, we are committed to playing an increasing role in health technology research. We are delighted that our efforts are supported not only by our MedTech Health Technology Campus in Győr—in partnership with Semmelweis University and the Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital of Győr-Moson-Sopron County—but also by this world-class programme," she emphasized.

Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations of Széchenyi István University (Photo: András Adorján)

Representing MIT linQ, Nancy R. Steele stated that Catalyst intervenes in the innovation process at an earlier stage than most innovation programmes. "It develops not only innovations but also innovators using an approach for defining unmet medical needs and designing research-based solutions," she said, noting that many projects have already successfully reached the implementation phase. She also emphasized that the mentors come from diverse backgrounds, creating a community where fellows and project teams benefit from the synergy of different perspectives.

Nancy R. Steele, representing MIT linQ, spoke at the opening (Photo: András Adorján)

Dr Bjoern Eskofier, Professor at Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen-Nürnberg and one of the mentors, remarked that the programme focuses on bringing innovations to the healthcare system in response to clinical needs. He added that young researchers act as a bridge between research and practical implementation. He thanked Széchenyi István University, expressing his admiration for the institution's spirit, particularly its approach to innovation.