On 6–7 May, the University of Pécs hosted its annual Innovation Days, attracting more interest than ever before. The event was organised with the active involvement of the Pécs-Baranya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On the second day of the programme, 7 May, the Faculty of Pharmacy held its IV. Partner Day, providing an excellent opportunity for professional dialogue and networking between the university and stakeholders across the pharmaceutical supply chain. That same day also saw the inaugural presentation of the Biotechnology Innovation Award – a new and notable addition to the event series, further underlining the practical relevance of ongoing innovation efforts.
The two-day Innovation Days focused on future technologies (May 6) and the challenges of the university’s innovation ecosystem (May 7). At the opening ceremony—attended by nearly 400 participants—Rector Dr. Attila Miseta emphasized: “To me, innovation means reassembling existing knowledge elements in a new way, creating novelty that leads directly to practical application,” thereby capturing the spirit that defines the University of Pécs’ Innovation Days year after year.
Digitalization and sustainability in focus
This year’s the 4th Partner Day revolved around two key themes—digitalization in pharmacy and sustainability in the pharmaceutical supply chain—reflecting the rapid and complex changes taking place in pharmaceutical practice.
The event was opened by Dr. Krisztián Kvell, Vice-Dean for General and Innovation Affairs, who emphasized:
“Pharmaceutical education and research must adapt to industry trends—but just as importantly, it should proactively shape them.”
The morning sessions focused on current issues in digitalization. Bianka Orosz (ESZFK) gave a presentation on the development of the ePrescription module, while Dr. Miklós Kresznovszki (Szent Borbála Pharmacy, Budapest) discussed digitalization opportunities in community pharmacies. A subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Vice-Dean Dr. Szilárd Pál, explored topical questions in digital health services, including the role of artificial intelligence, the integration of patient education tools into everyday practice, and the expansion of pharmacist-led health services. Panelists included Bianka Orosz (ESZFK), Dr. Miklós Kresznovszki (Szent Borbála Pharmacy, Budapest), Dr. Anett Szepesi-Palik (Enelis Ltd.), Dr. Beáta Szabó (HC Pointer Ltd.), and Dr. Gergely Csősz (Hungarian Intellectual Property Office).
The afternoon sessions centered on sustainability. Following presentations by Dr. Gábor Maász (University of Pannon) on eco-pharmacovigilance and Dr. Beáta Lemli (UP Faculty of Pharmacy) on sustainability opportunities in higher education, the panel discussion focused on pharmaceutical waste management and industry responsibility. The panel included Dr. Gábor Maász (University of Pannon), Dr. Beáta Lemli (UP Faculty of Pharmacy), Dr. Antal Feller (Hungaropharma Ltd.), Gábor Réti (EGIS Pharmaceuticals Ltd.), and Dr. Anett Kuczmog (UP Faculty of Sciences), who collectively sought answers to how the pharmaceutical supply chain can be made more environmentally responsible.
As co-organizer Zsuzsanna Papp stated:
“The goal of the Partner Day is to initiate real dialogue between academic and industry stakeholders—and we feel we successfully filled that space with meaningful content this year. The number and depth of questions submitted through the Slido platform clearly show that these topics generate genuine interest.”
Outstanding Recognition for Faculty Researchers – Biotechnology Innovation Award Presented
On May 7, as part of the Innovation Days, the University of Pécs presented its annual Innovation Awards, which are granted to students, researchers, and inventors whose exceptional work contributes significantly to the university’s strategic goals.
This year, for the first time, the Biotechnology Innovation Award was presented as a separate category, and it was awarded to two researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy – Professor dr. Judit Pongrácz and dr. Kitti Garai – for their LungExomiR project.
The aim of the awarded research is to support the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer based on micro-RNA patterns derived from a single blood sample. The method is capable of revealing this information from just one sample, potentially offering a faster, less invasive, and more cost-effective solution for lung cancer diagnostics. This innovation is not only scientifically significant but also has the potential to be life-saving.
With a simple blood test, patients can gain access to crucial diagnostic information that previously required painful and time-consuming tissue biopsies – significantly reducing both the burden and time involved.
Professor dr. Judit Pongrácz and dr. Kitti Garai shared their thoughts on the award:
“It is a true honor to have our work recognized in this way. This acknowledgment reinforces our belief that our scientific research has real, practical value and may bring us closer to a future in which the early detection and treatment of lung cancer can be far more effective.”
The project is already protected by a patent and has been featured in prestigious international publications.
The award, granted by the Innovation Committee of the University of Pécs, recognizes not only excellence in research but also the potential for real-world application – as highlighted by rector dr. Attila Miseta in his speech:
“For me, innovation means putting together existing elements of knowledge in new ways – a kind of advancement that points directly toward practical implementation.”
A place for collaborative thinking today and tomorrow
Over the past years, the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Partner Day has become a professional platform that fosters long-term collaborations. Beyond the presentations, the networking lunch and informal conversations provided valuable opportunities for strengthening personal connections.
In 2026, as part of the anniversary year celebrating 25 years of pharmacy education in Pécs, the Faculty will host the 5th Partner Day, inviting again all interested parties to join.
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