In January 2020, graduate and PhD students as well as scientists and members of the faculty of the Semmelweis University (SE) had the opportunity to take part in an information workshop on the Eurolife Network. The event hosted by the Eurolife Coordinators from the Semmelweis University also welcomed a lecture from the guest speaker from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the 30th Eurolife Distinguished Lecturer – Dr. Károly Szuhai.

The event was open with the presentation of the Network by Prof. Miklós Kellermayer, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at SE and Member of the Eurolife Steering Committee. The presentation was followed by the talks of Dr. Csaba Bödör, senior research fellow at Institute for Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research and Member of the Eurolife Education Alliance, as well as previous successful applicants, who presented the opportunities and their experiences with the Eurolife Network.

In his lecture titled: Molecular genomic technology in tumor genetics, Dr. Szuhai gave an overview of the development of molecular test methods in cancer research over the past two decades. He explained that cancer is a genetic disease that occurs because certain genetic changes occur, and in order to be able to examine them with proper resolution, various research and diagnostic tools need to be developed. For over 20 years in Leiden, he has devoted himself to the development and application of these techniques, and in his presentation he has introduced the most advanced techniques used today. His presentation was received with a great enthusiasm by the audience and Dr. Szuhai was awarded the Eurolife Medal in recognition of his achievements in the field of Life Sciences.

About Dr. Károly Szuhai

Source – LUMC website

Research

The research aim of Dr. Szuhai is to elucidate molecular genetic changes that are responsible for sarcoma development, progression or prognosis by using a wide range of molecular cytogenetic tools thereby improving genetic classification of these tumour entities allowing stratification for better diagnosis and treatment. This translational research activity connected basic science (genetics and modelling) with applied clinical research (diagnostics, clinical classification) for bone and soft tissue tumours.

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Szuhai graduated as a medical doctor at Pecs University Medical School in Pecs, Hungary and worked as clinical fellow before started his PhD. In 2001 he obtained his PhD in Molecular Pathology at Leiden University to develop and translate molecular pathology techniques in cancer and mitochondrial diseases. As a post doc, he stayed at the Molecular Cell Biology department and started a joint project on molecular genetics of bone and soft tissue tumours with the Pathology department, LUMC. His background in medicine and passion in developing in applying molecular techniques to translational research was the basis to join and stay at the department of Molecular Cell Biology. Since 2013 he works as associate professor. He works in collaboration with the Pathology department with the group of Prof Bovee as his work has a strong translational focus where obtained results and their translation is needed using clinical material giving a strong synergy for the research. Furthermore, he is the coordinator of the half minor on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapy.