IOCB Prague and Second Faculty of Medicine CU explore new opportunities for collaboration
How can chemistry and biochemistry research help meet clinical needs? This question brought together researchers from IOCB Prague and Second Faculty of Medicine of Charles University for a joint conference at IOCB Prague on November 3, 2026. Researchers from both institutions presented their work and discussed potential joint projects.
“Researchers at IOCB Prague working in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry stand to gain a great deal from collaboration with colleagues at the Second Faculty of Medicine CU. To make discoveries that truly benefit patients, we need access to clinical samples and insights from doctors who work with patients every day,” says Prof. Jan Konvalinka, Director of IOCB Prague.
The programme ranged from paediatric oncology, genetics and immunology to the development of biologically active compounds, neuroscience and imaging techniques. Speakers presented research on nucleic acids, antitumour immune responses, the mechanisms underlying epilepsy and the regulation of food intake. Informal discussions offered further opportunities to explore potential collaborations.
“At the 2nd Faculty of Medicine CU, we use a wide range of methods, from molecular biology techniques to imaging. This gives us many opportunities to collaborate with colleagues at IOCB Prague, and we are already building on these connections. We now need to identify specific research questions to tackle together,” says Prof. Jakub Otáhal of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine CU.
The meeting helped researchers learn more about each other’s expertise and facilities and identify research questions that could benefit from combining chemical, biological and clinical approaches.
