Prague - Charles University became the first Czech institution to become a partner of the US National Institute of Health (NIH).
"We want to cooperate with Charles University in endocrinology, that's why we founded the common project," assured Owen Rennert, the head of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development who signed the agreement.
Charles University is represented by Professor Karel Pacák.
15,000 scientists
"I hope we will cooperate in genetic and cardiovascular program. There are reasons behind this. Many diseases studied by Professor Pacák are hereditary and many of them have cardiovascular effects," explained Rennert.
The National Institute of Health is seated in Bethesda, where as much as 15,000 scientists work in a scientific complex of 60 building. The organization is divided into 27 national institutes focusing on different branches. Every institute has its own hospital with 200-300 beds.
Every year the scientists have USD 150 million at their disposal. In addition, USD 1.5 billion are allocated to university experts all over the world as grants.
Rare diseases
Rennert informed that his institute is interested above all in genetics, tumors of endocrinous systems and issues such as obesity or reproductive medicine.
"We deal with rare diseases and diseases that have a significant social effect on the world´s population," explained Rennert, adding that his institute differs from others with its focus on how an individual's health condition develops through his lifetime.
Rennert expects the cooperation to bring benefits to both sides.
"We want to participate in training of Czech scientists - they will be allowed to use our technologies and methods. Czech side has an advantage with its clinical care system. In the NIH only patients directly linked to the research may be allowed in, while in the Czech Republic all possible patients come to the clinics," explained Rennert.
Czech medics have a chance to take part in the programs of the world's largest medical research institute which will allow them to obtain a PhD degree, if they desire to pursue it.
