University of Debrecen Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office

General overview of Észak-Alföld region and the University of Debrecen

Észak-Alföld Region has significant research and development capacities that promote intensive development of innovation-oriented technologies in the region. The region provides a solid R&D base, concentrated in Debrecen, Szolnok and Nyíregyháza, which attracts companies with high quality requirements. At a national level the region holds the second position regarding R&D expenditure and it is the third concerning the number of R&D personnel. Institutions of tertiary education have age-long tradition in the region, with specialized institutions among them. University of Debrecen is the major and dynamically developing university centre of the region. The importance of research and development is also reflected in the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS), identifying three main focus areas for RTD activities: health, ICT and agriculture.

1. Main indicators of the Észak-Alföld Region

The University of Debrecen (UD) plays a significant role in the everyday life of the Észak-Alföld Region. It is the biggest higher educational institution in Eastern-Hungary and its Medical and Health Science Center (UD MHSC) is one of the largest clinics in Hungary. The 15 faculties of the University of Debrecen form 3 centers - those of medical sciences, agricultural sciences, and arts and natural sciences. The centers also comprise research institutes, research groups and other auxiliary units aiding education.

2. Main indicators of the University of Debrecen

Innovation and technology transfer has recently been in the focus of the most significant Hungarian universities’ innovation strategy. The University of Debrecen actively supports the utilization of the innovative ideas, products and services developed by the researchers of the university since 2005 by setting up the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (UD TTO) of the University. 

The mission of the UD TTO is to facilitate the transfer of research results achieved at higher education institutions into business and industry, as well as to disseminate innovation culture among the citizens of the University.

The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office has started to operate in 2005. At the beginning of its operation the office was dealing with technology transfer only in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, innovative drug development and functional food development. For now it provides innovation and technology transfer services as well as IP rights-related services in every substantial scientific field which are in focus of the research activity of University of Debrecen (UD). Based on the experiences of the TTO it was found out that most of the innovative project ideas and new product or service development proposals originate from the Medical and Health Science Center of the university and its clinical departments.

Ever since its establishment in 1918 the Medical and Health Science Center of the University of Debrecen (UD MHSC) has been striving to become an internationally recognized Centre of Medical Education, Biomedical Research and Patient Care. In line with the mission statement of the University, UD MHSC is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the population of Eastern-Hungary and to providing research and teaching programs that ensure delivery of the highest quality health care to our community.

Scientific work is done at the departments for basic sciences and laboratories of clinical departments. The faculty members of this medical school publish about 600 scientific papers in international scientific journals per year. According to scientometric data the UD MHSC is among the 4 best ones of the more than 80 Hungarian research institutions and universities. Many of the scientists could reach international recognition exploiting the possibilities provided by internal and international collaborations. Internationally acknowledged research areas are cell biology, immunology, experimental and clinical oncology, hematology, neurobiology and neurology, physiology. The scientific exchange program involves numerous foreign universities and large proportion of our staff is actively involved in programs that make use of foreign connections (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the USA are the most important partners).

The UDMHSC is also one of the largest hospitals in Hungary. There are 49 departments, among those 18 different clinical departments with more than 1800 beds serving 62 000 inpatients and 670 000 outpatients yearly. It is not only the best-equipped institution in the area, but also represents the most important health care facility for day-to-day medical care in this region. This includes, beside other services, an adult haemodialysis center, open-heart surgery facilities and a kidney transplantation unit.

Contact:

Klára Bartha
innovation manager
University of Debrecen / Technology Transfer Office
4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98.
Phone: +36 (52) 512-900/66341
Fax: +36 (52) 518-640
Mobile: +36 (70) 5053-856
kbartha@unideb.hu
http://detti.unideb.hu