Gradual deterioration of function with age, is a process seen in most multicellular life, including humans. In humans, ageing is associated with the gradually increasing risk of various, often non-communicable diseases. Effective diagnostics and therapies for age-related disease are important in improving human life quality. With the advent of Molecular Medicine, it is now possible to find novel markers for disease onset and new treatment options, which can be used to contribute to healthy ageing of the population.
Global life expectancy has been rising steadily since the start of the 20th century. Unfortunately, this was not completely mirrored by an increase in healthy life expectancy - the part of life spent in generally good health. This increasingly strains society: the vast majority of health expenditure is spent on people older than 65 and the proportion of this group in the population is growing. It is imperative that research targets age-related disease to alleviate some of the burden on society and improve quality of life by increasing healthy life expectancy and promoting healthy ageing. This is especially important in Hungary, where life expectancy still considerably lags behind the European average.
The Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) was founded specifically for that purpose. Together with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the advanced partner, HCEMM has recruited (and retained) the best scientists and established a network of sites - currently at the founding organizations Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Semmelweis University, Budapest and the University of Szeged - with the intention of expanding this network over time to all institutions involved in translational medicine in Hungary. Incorporated as a non-profit company, HCEMM Ltd. explores new avenues to increase the impact of Hungarian research and development in the field of molecular medicine and to establish solid connections to the biomedical industry worldwide.
The main objective of the HCEMM Teaming Project are:
1. Development of an autonomous Research Institute with the ability to contribute to the renewal of the Hungarian research and innovation system, via the establishment of the Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine;
2. Improvement of the international standing of Hungary in the field of molecular medicine in a strong partnership with EMBL (European Molecular Biology Laboratory);
3. Provision of cutting-edge technologies, opportunities for cross-fertilization and scientific autonomy as well as freedom to conduct innovative research for Hungarian scientists;
4. Active contributions to the education and training of researchers in the area of molecular medicine for the next generation of scientists;
5. Cooperation with industry by ensuring the transfer of technology and knowledge to industrial partners based in Hungary as well as worldwide, by promoting research groups to form spin-off companies and by attracting related translational projects with associations or companies to contribute to sustainable development and value for society, and by providing services;
6. Participation in the wide-ranging social debate on the scientific and technological aspects of molecular medicine, by actively engaging in objective communication on science, with a focus on educating the public and being receptive to their needs.
