Students and faculty members of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, recently completed a highly successful professional visit to the United States. The trip combined participation in a prestigious international conference with study visits to two leading veterinary institutions – Purdue University and the University of Illinois – providing direct insight into their research activities. The program delivered both outstanding student achievements and new, strengthened international collaboration opportunities for the University.
Visit to the University of Illinois – the start of a new collaboration
The first stop of the professional visit was the University of Illinois, where the delegation was hosted by Dr. Csaba Varga. Dr. Varga is a recognised researcher at the institution, conducting internationally significant research in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), epidemiology, and food chain safety.
During the visit, our students and faculty gained insight into his research group’s work, explored the university’s key research units, and presented their own AMR research conducted in Hungary. Professional discussions clearly indicated a strong potential for launching joint research projects, particularly in the areas of AMR epidemiology and monitoring.
International AMR Conference at Purdue University
The central event of the program was the international AMR conference, organised for the fourth time by Purdue University, focusing on the most pressing challenges of antimicrobial resistance. The scientific program covered a broad spectrum, from microbiological and molecular mechanisms through genomic and bioinformatics approaches, to diagnostic developments, epidemiological modelling, and responsible antibiotic use.
The conference provided an excellent platform for our students and faculty to connect directly with leading international experts and gain first-hand knowledge of the latest research directions.
As part of the conference, two of our talented students, Gergely Álmos Tornyos and Hunor Levente Husz, presented their research findings to the international scientific community.
Their poster presentations demonstrated outstanding scientific quality, which was also recognised by the international jury. We are particularly proud that fourth-year student Gergely Álmos Tornyos was awarded 3rd place for his poster. This achievement is especially noteworthy as it reflects his preparedness, professional excellence, and research potential on an international stage.
We warmly congratulate our students, who not only contributed to their own professional development but also represented our University with distinction in the global scientific arena.
Laboratory visits – building the foundations for future collaboration
Following the conference, students and faculty had the opportunity to visit several leading research laboratories.
In the laboratory of Dr. Ahmed Abdelkhalek Hassan, they explored the molecular background of antimicrobial resistance and its diagnostic possibilities. Dr. Ilya Slizovskiy’s research group focuses on the relationship between the microbiome and resistance, as well as its environmental and epidemiological aspects. At the Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute (FEMI), Dr. Dharmendra Mishra’s team presented their work in food chain safety and innovation.
The professional discussions during these visits clearly demonstrated multiple promising directions for future collaboration.
Special thanks are due to Addison Sheldon, Director of International Relations at Purdue University, for his outstanding role in organising and facilitating the visit. Thanks to his support, participants also had the opportunity to visit the small animal clinic and the equine clinic, further broadening their professional perspective.
The significance of this professional visit lies in strengthening the University’s collaboration with Purdue University, establishing new foundations for partnership with the University of Illinois, and providing students with direct experience of the international research environment.
We are proud of our students’ talent and dedication. Experiences like these not only shape individual career paths but also contribute to enhancing the University’s visibility and impact within the international scientific community.