The presentation of the project "Research Medical Center Split (IMCS)" was held on Thursday, May 20 at the University of Split. The University of Split is realizing this project in cooperation with the Clinical Hospital Center Split and the School of Medicine, concerning which the three institutions signed a memorandum on scientific and research cooperation and the Split-Dalmatia County, together with the City of Split, expressed their support..
The construction of IMCS is a prerequisite for raising quality of scientific research in fields of biomedicine and health, by connecting scientific and clinical work, as well as forming interdisciplinary research groups.
The project was presented by the following: prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., University of Split’s Rector, prof. prim. Julije Meštrović Ph.D., director of KBC Split, prof. Ante Tonkić Ph.D., School of Medicine’s Dean and prof. Zoran Đogaš Ph.D., also School of Medicine, Head of Neuroscience. Blaženko Boban, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect and Andre Krstulović Opara, Mayor of Split also addressed the public.
Among those who attended the presentation were prof. Ante Punda Ph.D., KBC Split’s Expert Council President, Vice-Rectors prof. Tomislav Kilic Ph.D., prof. Leandra Vranješ Markić, Ph.D., Đurđica Miletić Ph.D., assoc. prof. Zeljko Radic Ph.D., prof. Goran Kardum Ph.D., Stipan Janković Ph.D., Head of the University Department of Health Studies, prof. Matko Erceg Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, prof. Katarina Vukojević Ph.D., School of Medicine’s Vice Dean and Ivana Pletković, Head of the Rector's Office.
Rector Ljutić pointed out that the University of Split ranked between 300 and 350 best universities in the world in natural sciences, which is outstanding, bearing in mind the strength of individual universities and the financial strength of cities and states where these are located. He stated that building such a Center also carries a great responsibility, and thanked the Minister of Science and Education, Prof. Radovan Fuchs Ph.D. and the Croatian Government, headed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, for recognizing and supporting this project.
- School of Medicine’s role is to promote teaching and scientific excellence. Scientific research is our second mission, an extremely important part in the context of today's project. School of Medicine is extremely well positioned, in the scientific research segment, both nationally and internationally - said Dean Tonkić, emphasizing that in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of quality work was done in the School, both advancing science and obtaining-securing big, international projects.
- Medical Research Center Split project is a significant step forward not only in basic research in biomedicine, but also in translational research which will result in better education for our young scientists and doctors working in hospitals - concluded Dean Tonkić.
Professor Đogaš looked back to this project’s very beginning, emphasizing its main strategic advantages, how both KBC and the University recognized the need for such a center, its unique approach and basic inclusion, integration of all scientific potentials of clinics and pre-clinics, an opportunity to advance with the help of EU funds, and the synergy of all five stakeholders, the joint partners. As he said, clinical research represents potential for development and cooperation with the "pre-clinic" is necessary - this project will be important for attracting top world scientists to Split, and will provide an opportunity to strengthen additional capacities in order to get-secure-obtain more funds from the EU’s and other funds.
Director Meštrović said that this project is a result of teamwork, which began 4 years ago, and on May 3, 2021, a grant agreement was signed for projects financed from the European Structural and Investment Funds in the period 2014-2020. which allocated almost HRK 8 million for IMCS.
- These are funds for technical documentation and we are just beginning, the most difficult part is yet to come. However, if we continue what we have started, in the way we have done so far, we will succeed - he said. Director Meštrović pointed out that project teams have already designed the Center’s structure, that researchers from the School of Medicine, that is KBC Split, will implement these projects and that the project’s program is already in an advanced stage and it is extensive. He also said that the Center's building will be located in the area between the hospital in Križine and the School of Medicine. He thanked the Minister of Health, Prof. Vili Beroš Ph.D., Minister of Science and Education prof. Radovan Fuchs Ph.D., Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Tramišak and Rector Ljutić for their support, as well as all those who helped make this project a reality.