European Projects Led by Prof. Kamil Musílek: An Initiative to Combat Chemical Threats and Research of Civilization Diseases
Author: Matyáš Strnad
The University of Hradec Králové (UHK) is making significant strides in European scientific research. Professor Kamil Musílek from the Faculty of Science UHK, a leading expert in Medicinal Chemistry, has secured a prestigious European project under Horizon Europe, specifically through the European Defence Fund. Professor Musílek also supervises the work of PhD student Irene Castellino, who is at UHK thanks to another European Commission project under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program.
European Defence Fund – RESILIENCE
"Our university was approached by international colleagues for participation in the Horizon Europe project thanks to our long-term cooperation. We accepted, and in 2023, the European Commission approved the Resilience consortium. Within this consortium, which includes 92 entities from 20 EU countries, individual sub-projects are being created. Our university focuses on researching and testing cholinesterase reactivators," stated Professor Musílek.
The RESILIENCE project, aimed at developing and testing new countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, involves collaboration with international partners from France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and Poland. "Our role is to prepare and test effective substances. Partners will send us samples, which we will test using a unified methodology to select the most suitable for further development in EU," explains Professor Musílek.
The uniqueness and significance of this project lie in its complexity and international cooperation. "This is the only approved project of its kind involving institutions from the Czech Republic and only two Czech universities, UHK and the University of Defence. This signifies our excellence in the field."
Involvement in the international scientific community is crucial to success in such projects.
Without our long-standing contacts and cooperation with international colleagues, publications, and previous projects, we wouldn't be part of this consortium. Also, the fact that I have been in this field for nearly 17 years surely helped. But it's not just my credit; I must highlight the work of all my colleagues.
Professor Musílek has been dedicated to chemistry since high school, participating in various chemistry competitions. "I didn't want to focus only on chemistry but also the biological effects of chemical agents. That led me to what I do today," he recalls.
The project is planned for three years and will officially start in the fall of 2024 once all administrative formalities with the European Commission are completed. "This research is truly cutting-edge, and we are proud that global institutions provide us with their samples for testing. Without our expertise, we wouldn't gain such trust. I think it's very beneficial for us to participate in similar projects, as evidenced by our role in the Horizon Europe project," concluded Professor Musílek.
Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks – TClock4AD
Professor Musílek is also participating in another significant European research project funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant scheme of the European Commission. This ambitious project focuses on finding new molecules that can affect the circadian clock and plausibly treat Alzheimer's disease. The project involves 17 PhD students from around the world, including our PhD student Irene Castellino from Italy.
"The project 'Targeting Circadian Clock Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease' (TClock4AD) is essentially a doctoral program funded under Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks. Its goal is to educate doctoral candidates through an international consortium of universities, research institutions, SMEs, a hospital, a patient association, and other socio-economic institutions from different countries across Europe and beyond," explains Professor Musílek.
TClock4AD is a multidisciplinary and international project linking neurobiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical nanotechnology, neuroimmunology, big data or bioinformatics. TClock4AD connects organizations across the EU, UK, Israel, USA, and China. Thanks to this program, students receive double-degree titles and gain extensive knowledge and skills, a broad vision, and the ability to bridge the worlds of science and socially beneficial business.
"Our work aims to find new molecules that can affect the circadian clock and thus potentially treat Alzheimer's disease," says Irene Castellino, who focuses on biochemistry. Her task is to improve the testing of new molecules and analyze their activity, properties, and toxicity. "It's a fascinating job that can bring important steps towards finding an effective treatment," adds Irene.
The team of PhD students regularly meets in person or online to discuss research progress and share insights. Each PhD student has two supervisors, ensuring high-quality guidance and support. Irene has one supervisor at the UHK, Professor Kamil Musílek, and another at the University of Bologna.
Irene Castellino chose this project not only for its scientific challenges but also for its potential benefit for the future. "Alzheimer's disease is currently incurable, but research into the circadian clock may offer new strategies to treat this disease," explains Irene.
Every small step forward can be crucial for future treatment.
For Irene, laboratory work is a professional challenge and a personal passion. "I love working in the lab; I learn something new every day. Moreover, the labs at the Faculty of Science UHK are excellently equipped," she adds. Her enthusiasm and dedication exemplify how science can be enjoyable while bringing important discoveries.
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