Joint implementation of scientific and research and development projects, as well as cooperation in the educational offer for students of Biomedical Sciences, including training and open lectures, is assumed in the agreement between the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów and MatTek. MatTek is an American company that is a world leader in the field of reliable, innovative in vitro human tissue models.
The cooperation agreement between the University of Information Technology and Management and the American MatTek was signed at the main campus of UITM on March 18 this year. On the part of the university, the agreement was signed by the Rector of UITM, Dr. Hab. Andrzej Rozmus, prof. UITM, and on the part of MatTek – Silvia Letasiova, Ph.D., Managing Director of MatTek IVLSL.
The partnership agreement with MatTek is a huge opportunity to develop competences in the field of Biomedical Sciences. Thanks to this cooperation, researchers and students of Biomedical Sciences at UITM will have, among others: possibility of participation:
- in practical workshops conducted on in vitro human tissue models and
- in study visits to MatTek In Vitro Life Science Laboratories in Slovakia.
Rector of UITM, Ph.D. Andrzej Rozmus, and from MatTek – Silvia Letasiova, Ph.D., Managing Director of MatTek IVLSl
The meeting on cooperation was also attended by: Vice-Rector of UITM for Science and International Cooperation, Ph.D. Agata Jurkowska-Gomułka, UITM Rector for Teaching, Dr. Barbara Przywara, and UITM Rector’s Plenipotentiary for the development of the Medical College – Dr. Marlena Krawczyk-Suszek. After the meeting, Silvia Letasiova, Ph.D., Managing Director of MatTek IVLSL, gave a lecture to scientific and research workers and students of the Medical College entitled “MatTek, BICO: Our Challenges in Replacing In Vivo Testing.”
Our tissue models of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory system are targeted at toxicology and effectiveness in the cosmetics, chemical, pharmaceutical and household products industries. We also focus on research and development of new tissue models and methods that allow us to reduce or replace the use of animals in laboratory tests for chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household products, pesticides, medical devices, etc. We conduct active educational activities in the field of the 3Rs and the use of alternative methods, theoretically and practically, conducting training in many methods. Therefore, cooperation with the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów can help us achieve our mission, enable us to find partners for our research activities, spread knowledge about the use of alternative methods among students, train people to work with 3D models of reconstructed human tissues, and much more others – emphasizes Silvia Letasiova, Ph.D., Managing Director of MatTek IVLSL.
Biomedical Sciences is an innovative area of science that strongly supports medicine. MatTek’s experience and achievements in the field of in vitro and the production of 3D models of human tissues are an ideal area of cooperation for both Partners. We see these innovative products and analysis methods as common future initiatives and scientific and research projects. Common experiences will not only determine the scientific development of the University, but also the development of competences of medical students at the Medical College. Access to these innovative products, such as human tissue models, is the best opportunity for students to develop their skills in working in the laboratory, correctly applying methods and maintaining laboratory procedures – adds the Plenipotentiary of the Rector of UITM for the development of the Medical Faculty – Dr. Marlena Krawczyk-Suszek.
