Medicine of future in Opole. University Hospital expanding its research centre to include genetics and robotic technologies

The University Hospital in Opole is expanding its Centre for Research and Innovation in Civilisation Diseases to include the fields of personalised medicine and robotic technologies. The hospital has been awarded funding (PLN 21.2 million) for the PLN 30.6 million project from the European Funds for the Opole Region for the years 2021–2027, a pool administered by the Marshal’s Office of the Opole Voivodeship. A team of specialists engaged to work on the project includes academic staff from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Opole.

‘We are taking over premises with a total area of 300 square metres on the ground floor of the Research and Innovation Centre for the purposes of conducting medical research. The project includes construction work, the purchase of equipment and staff training. As a result, we will be able to conduct research in the fields of cardiology, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, epidemiology and public health, clinical genetics, internal medicine and oncology’, said Dariusz Madera, Director General of the University Hospital in Opole.

He also pointed out that the Research and Innovation Centre is part of the Scientific and Research Centre for Medical and Health Sciences, established by the University Hospital in 2022 – the only one of its kind in the Opole Voivodeship – which was a direct result of the launch of medical studies in Opole. The Scientific and Research Centre comprises the Clinical Research Centre, the Regional Centre for Digital Medicine and the Research and Innovation Centre.

‘As part of the second phase of the Research and Innovation Centre, we will establish the Centre for Personalised Medicine and the Centre of New Medical Technologies. The Centre for Personalised Medicine will house the first genetic laboratory in the Opole Voivodeship, which we will use to conduct research into the genetic determinants of civilisation diseases, their prevention and treatment. Meanwhile, the Centre of New Medical Technologies will be developing robotic, endoscopic and holographic technologies for the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions, as well as cardiological, cardiac surgical and general surgical conditions, explained Dr Piotr Feusette, MD, Medical Director of the University Hospital in Opole.

‘From the University of Opole’s perspective, the further development of the Research and Innovation Centre is a step we have been eagerly awaiting, hoping for further progress in research within modern fields of medicine. It is worth highlighting the new standard of research made possible through modern and specialized equipment and infrastructure, which will enable us to undertake projects that were previously beyond our technical capabilities. I am convinced that this project will lead to the development of new methods for diagnosing and treating patients, whilst also strengthening the research potential of our teams, particularly the staff of the Institute of Medical Sciences, who combine academic experience with clinical practice at the University Hospital and are already actively co-creating and implementing projects based at the Scientific and Research Centre,’ commented Prof. Jacek Lipok, Rector of the University of Opole.

The total cost of the project is PLN 30.6 million. The co-financing from the European Funds for the Opole region for the period 2021–2027 amounts to nearly PLN 21.2 million. The hospital received the funds by submitting an application to a call for proposals organised by the Opole Centre for Economic Development, announced under Measure 1.3: R&D Infrastructure for Research Organisations. The contribution of the University Hospital in Opole will amount to PLN 9.4 million. The project will begin this year and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

‘Thanks to EU funding, we are investing in the medicine of the future and supporting projects that combine high-quality healthcare services with the development of a modern economy based on knowledge, innovation and specialist expertise. This initiative strengthens our region’s competitiveness and builds its strong position in the field of advanced medical technologies. We are creating the conditions for cooperation between the worlds of science, healthcare and business, which also means new jobs and greater competitiveness for the region on a national and European scale. This is an investment in the health of the region’s inhabitants, but also in its economic future,’ commented Szymon Ogłaza, Marshal of the Opole Voivodeship, during the presentation of the grant agreement to the hospital director.

Robert Węgrzyn, a member of the Opole Voivodeship Board, emphasised that the supporting of the research infrastructure at the University Hospital creates stable conditions for conducting advanced medical research. ‘The Opole region is becoming a place where innovative medical solutions are developed and implemented. This project strengthens the potential for cooperation between science and the business community and promotes knowledge transfer,’ said Węgrzyn. ‘The University Hospital is the main partner in projects that strengthen research and development infrastructure and create the conditions for the transfer of knowledge into practice, both clinical and commercial. The Centre for Research and Innovation in Civilisation Diseases forms part of our efforts to develop smart specialisations in the Opole Voivodeship, particularly in the field of medical technologies and health. This initiative provides a boost to collaboration between the academic sector, entrepreneurs, medical start-ups and technology enterprises. Thanks to European funding, we are building a modern economic ecosystem in the region, based on innovation, highly skilled staff and advanced research infrastructure. This is an investment in the competitiveness of the Opole region for years to come,’ said Michał Wojczyszyn, director of the Opole Centre for Economic Development.

Source: University Hospital in Opole