The Faculty of Science at Masaryk University and the International Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Center (INDRC) have established a strategic partnership aimed at developing educational activities in the field of neuroscience. Their first joint activity is a program offering children and adolescents experiences in university laboratories as well as awareness about the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Strategic Partnership
INDRC has long been dedicated to brain research using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other modern methods. Collaborating with experts from various disciplines, the institute participates not only in research but also in raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, a condition gaining global significance.
“We want to engage and inspire young people to study neuroscience and biology. We believe that combining top-level research, modern technologies, and interactive education can contribute to training future experts,” stated Lenka Uldrijanová, INDRC director.
BIOSKOP, the scientific educational center at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, has been organizing training courses for pupils and students of all ages since its foundation, making it an ideal partner for this program. Lumír Krejčí, chair of the BIOSKOP scientific board, explained: “Bioskop focuses on popularizing natural sciences and supporting education in biology and chemistry. Our goal is to awaken interest in science, allow children and students to experience scientific work firsthand, and expand their knowledge playfully. Bioskop has organized over 1,630 courses attended by more than 30,000 participants.”
New Course on Brain Function
The first joint activity of BIOSKOP and INDRC is a new course introducing the functioning of the human brain, its adaptability, and the influence of lifestyle on its performance. The pilot run of the course will take place on October 2, 2025. The course is also prepared in cooperation with the Center MAFIL CEITEC MU and the National Center for Biomolecular Research at the Faculty of Science MU. The program is expected to expand to primary and secondary schools in the future. Petra Matulová, long-term head of BIOSKOP, said: “Participants will try practical laboratory experiments and visit the Laboratory of Multimodal and Functional Imaging. The program also includes visualization of genes related to biological rhythms (e.g., the CLOCK gene) and other practical demonstrations of modern research methods.”
Significant Step in Supporting Neuroscience Research and Education
Lenka Uldrijanová added: “Alongside scientific work, our nonprofit scientific institute also focuses on raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, which today affects almost every family not only in the Czech Republic but worldwide. Thanks to long-term collaboration with specialists in neurology, neuroscience, psychology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, we approached BIOSKOP leadership and proposed cooperation to create a new educational program focused on neuroscience. One of the goals is to attract the youngest generation and positively contribute to spreading awareness and, over the long term, increasing the number of experts in the field. We believe this course content is very attractive for the secondary school age group, and in 2026 we plan to extend courses to the primary school age group.”
Project Supported by Academic, Nonprofit, and Private Partners
Preparation of cooperation, selection of expert lecturers, curriculum development, practical experiments in Masaryk University laboratories, offering workshops to schools, and realization of the pilot project would not be possible without financial support from INDRC partners. Thanks to ongoing support from Generali penzijní společnost, Česká spořitelna, as well as the IOCB Tech Foundation and 22 Hor Invest s.r.o., the pilot project will be implemented this year. These collaborations across academic, non-profit, and private sectors contribute to activities that are important not only for education and science but also have significant social benefits in the context of population aging and the increasing number of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative illnesses.
Tomáš Kašparovský, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University, summarized: “The program aims to inspire the younger generation to study at the Masaryk University and support future scientific careers in molecular biology and neuroscience. This collaboration represents an important step in supporting neuroscience research and education, linking top scientific institutions and bringing new possibilities for international cooperation and inspiration for young scientists.”
Contacts for media:
International Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Center (INDRC)
Mgr. Lenka Uldrijanová
+420 777 010 334
info@indrc.cz
www.indrc.cz
Bioskop – Scientific Educational Center MU
RNDr. Petra Matulová, CSc.
Mobile: +420 773 480 422
matulova@chemi.muni.cz
bioskop@muni.cz
