UPJŠ Faculty of Medicine and RUG University: 25 Years of Collaboration Bringing New Opportunities

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJŠ) in Košice, specifically the Institute of Health Psychology and Methodology under the leadership of prof. Mgr. Andrea Madarasová Gecková, PhD., has been collaborating with the University of Groningen (RUG) in the Netherlands for 25 years. This collaboration, led on the RUG side by prof. dr. S. A. (Menno) Reijneveld from the Department of Health Sciences, particularly with its Graduate School of Košice (Graduate School of the Košice Institute for Society and Health (Slovakia) | Community and Occupational Medicine | University of Groningen (rug.nl)), brings new perspectives and opportunities for scientific research and academic development.

Significance of the Collaboration:

1. International Exchange Programs
One of the most prominent benefits of this collaboration is the international exchange programs for students. UPJŠ students have the opportunity to spend part of their studies at RUG and vice versa. This allows them to gain valuable experience, learn new methodologies, and acquire a different perspective on medicine and healthcare. By participating in these programs, students become part of the international academic community, providing significant professional and personal enrichment.

2. Dual PhD Program
The collaboration offers students the possibility to study a dual PhD program in public health at UPJŠ and RUG. This program allows students to obtain diplomas from both universities, significantly enhancing their academic and professional profiles. So far, 42 students have successfully completed this program and have chosen to stay in Slovakia, contributing to the development of public health.

3. Joint Research Projects
Students and researchers can engage in joint research projects led by experts from both universities. This collaboration provides access to modern laboratories, cutting-edge technologies, and unique scientific methods. This increases the quality of research and accelerates scientific progress.

4. International Grants and Funding
Thanks to this collaboration, the chances of obtaining international grants and funding are increased. Joint projects have a greater chance of success when applying for grants, ensuring stable funding for ambitious research endeavors. This allows for the implementation of projects with a significant impact on the health and living conditions of vulnerable groups.

Research Areas:
• School-aged children
• Vulnerable children
• Specific patient groups
• Marginalized Roma
• COVID-19 pandemic

This collaboration between the UPJŠ Faculty of Medicine and the University of Groningen opens doors to new scientific knowledge and contributes to improving the health and living conditions of vulnerable groups. The research activities are crucial for understanding and addressing health inequalities, strengthening the position of both universities on the international stage. The successful graduates of this collaboration remain in Slovakia and significantly contribute to the development of public health, underscoring the value and importance of this long-term academic partnership.

Contact:
prof. Mgr. Andrea Madarasová Gecková, PhD.
[email protected]
COHERENT (coherentsite.com)