On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the deans of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University, Martin Repko and Tomáš Kašparovský, signed a cooperation agreement for the establishment of the Preclinical Centre at Masaryk University. This memorandum marks a new stage in the development of biomedical research at Masaryk University, with full operation planned for 2027.
This memorandum initiates a new era of biomedical research development at Masaryk University aimed at building a state-of-the-art research and educational facility with shared infrastructure for preclinical research. Martin Repko, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, said, “The Preclinical Centre at Masaryk University is a crucial step for the advancement of medical research, enabling the use of preclinical models and innovative technologies needed for testing new drugs and therapeutic approaches. Involving students in scientific research and combining the expertise of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science strengthens research excellence and contributes to the development of personalized medicine.”
The purpose and significance of the Memorandum
The purpose and significance of the Memorandum of Cooperation is to establish the joint intent of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University to found a Preclinical Centre located in the University Campus Bohunice. The centre will serve as a unique platform for research and education focused on working with in vivo and ex vivo models in biomedicine. The primary goal is to develop preclinical research and strengthen the transfer of knowledge from theory into practical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Tomáš Kašparovský, Dean of the Faculty of Science, stated, “The Faculty of Science brings extensive experience from basic biological research, genetic modifications, and work with cellular and tissue cultures. Together with the Faculty of Medicine, we can offer cutting-edge infrastructure that connects models studied in living tissues and beyond. This is the direction biomedicine will take in the future.”
Aleš Hampl, Scientific Director of the upcoming Preclinical Centre at Masaryk University, said, “Our mission is to build a modern multidisciplinary centre that will provide not only top-notch technology but also expert oversight and support for solving demanding research questions in preclinical research. The Preclinical Centre will be a key platform linking fundamental research with clinical applications and industry partners, taking biomedical research to a new level.”
Specialized Research Units and Their Roles
The Preclinical Centre at Masaryk University includes several specialized units. The Zebrafish Facility works with zebrafish (Danio rerio) for genetic modelling and in vivo screening. The Experimental Rodent Facility includes units for tumor models, experimental surgery, neurobehavioral research, pharmacology and toxicology, and in vivo imaging equipped for micro-CT and multimodal imaging. There is an ABSL-3 unit dedicated to work with infectious agents under high biosafety conditions. Additional units include tissue cultures and genetic modification, organoids, immunology and flow cytometry, histopathology and hematology, and a cryobank for long-term storage of biological materials.
Full Operation from the Beginning of 2027
Preparations for the Preclinical Centre are underway. According to the memorandum, the centre will be integrated into the MUNI BioPharma Hub, a strategic platform for biomedical and pharmaceutical research at Masaryk University. Full operation is scheduled for early 2027. The Preclinical Centre will offer researchers from academia as well as industrial and research partners unique technical and scientific facilities, expanding opportunities for developing innovative drugs, diagnostics, and therapeutic procedures.
Photo: Dominik Hajko
Press Contact
Viktor Horváth
Operations Director, Preclinical Centre, Masaryk University
Email: viktor.horvath@med.muni.cz
Phone: +420 771 264 614
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