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SlovenčinaPhD programs
Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences participates on PhD study of 5 Faculties of 3 Slovak Universities, it is an external educational institution of the following Study programes:
| Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Bratislava | Normal and Pathological Physiology |
| Oncology | |
| Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University in Bratislava | Molecular Biology |
| Genetics | |
| Microbiology and Virology | |
| Animal Physiology | |
| Biochemistry | |
| Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Comenius University in Bratislava | Sport Sciences |
| Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava | Biochemistry |
| Faculty of Science Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice | Zoology and Animal Physiology |
| Biophysics |
Theses for PhD study at the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences for the academic year 2025/2026
Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice
Deadline for application: 31. 5. 2025
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study program: | zoology and animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Activation of endogenous mechanisms leading to neuroprotection after stroke |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Petra Bonová, PhD. |
| Email: | bonova@saske.sk |
| Keywords: | Brain ischemia, ischemic tolerance, conditioning |
| Annotation: | Stroke represents a serious socio-economic problem with limited treatment options. Recently, the phenomenon of ischemic tolerance, i.e. endogenous stimulation of the mechanisms with the ability to induce neuroprotection, has become an attractive solution for the prevention and treatment of such conditions. Objectives: 1. Study of mechanisms of ischemic tolerance 2. Defining the role of peripheral blood cells in inducing ischemic tolerance 3. Testing of in vivo and ex vivo conditioning methods 4. Testing of conditioning methods in animal models of ischemic-reperfusion injury of nerve tissue |
| Study program: | zoology and animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Experimental strategies for the treatment of paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury |
| Supervisor: | MUDr. Karolína Kuchárová, PhD. |
| Email: | kkucharova@saske.sk |
| Keywords: | Traumatic spinal cord injury, Glial scar, Neuroprotection, Functional post-traumatic regeneration |
| Annotation: | There is currently no effective therapy to reduce neurological dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury (SCI The proposed dissertation will utilize various treatment approaches such as pharmacological interventions and rehabilitation to facilitate recovery of function after SCI. The effect of the treatments on the regeneration of the function will be evaluated by functional, molecular and morphological techniques. The aim of the dissertation will be to investigate the mechanism and impact of post-traumatic treatment. The results of this work may lead to clinical practice in the future. |
| Study program: | zoology and animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Molecular-biological analysis of the mechanism of ischemic tolerance in atenuation the consequences of stroke by conditioning |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Rastislav Mucha, PhD. |
| Email: | mucha@saske.sk |
| Keywords: | Brain stroke, neuroprotectivity, gene expression, protein expression |
| Annotation: | Annotation : Understanding the mechanisms of neuroprotectivity activation after ischemic brain damage at the molecular level is necessary to understand this process. It is known that peripheral blood reflects changes in gene and protein expression in the brain very sensitively and specifically. Aims: 1) To identify potential markers (genes, proteins) of ischemic tolerance activation. 2) To classify and specify genes and proteins in their signalling pathways and creating a reaction map of molecular cascades specific for the mechanism of ischemic tolerance in human blood samples and in a rat model. |
| Study program: | biophysics |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Application of modern methods of confocal microscopy and respirometry to study metabolic cardiac load |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Michal Cagalinec, PhD. |
| Email: | michal.cagalinec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | biophotonics, confocal microscopy, respirometry, heart, calcium signaling, mitochondria |
| Annotation: | Cardiovascular complications represent the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. For the detailed study of these conditions, modern biophysical methods such as biophotonics, confocal and super-resolution microscopy, or high-performance respirometry are increasingly being used in the context of research of the cell structure and function, its organelles and specific proteins. Therefore, we will use above-mentioned methods to study calcium signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in selected experimental models of metabolic load on the heart. |
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava
Deadline for application: 31. 05. 2025
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study program: | animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Metabolic flaxibility as a marker of metabolic health: mechanisms and molecular predictors |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Jozef Ukropec, DrSc. |
| Email: | jozef.ukropec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Metabolic flexibility, obesity, lifestyle intervention, exercise, extracellular vesicles, skeletal muscle |
| Annotation: | Metabolic flexibility is an important determinant of the metabolic health with the capacity to modulate effectiveness of the adaptive response to exercise & lifestyle interventions. Aim of this work is (i) to characterize clinical parameters and molecular biomarkers of metabolic flexibility expressed / released into systemic circulation in energetically challenging situations (exercise) and (ii) to determine effects of exercise derived factors (EVs) on proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic flexibility of human primary skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. Ultimately, we would like to define and validate metabolic flexibility- related biomarker with the capacity to predict response to a lifestyle intervention, providing personalised precision medicine for obesity related chronic diseases. |
| Study program: | animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | In vitro assessment of the effects of a combination of phytochemicals and metal nanoparticles on gonadal somatic cells |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Soňa Scsuková, CSc. |
| Email: | sona.scsukova@hotmail.com |
| Keywords: | nanoparticles, phytochemicals, gonadal cells, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation |
| Annotation: | The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to the production of innovative (nano)products and applications, but has also raised concerns about potential human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and their adverse health effects. Recently, new approaches increasing the NP biosafety are of great interest. The administration of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties seems to provide a promising potential to mitigate the adverse effects of NPs on biological systems. The aim of the PhD thesis is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms (apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation) of the effects of selected metal NPs (silver, gold, copper) with different physicochemical properties (size, surface modification) in combination with phytochemicals on the functions of ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Leydig cells in vitro. |
| Study program: | animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Extracellular vesicles as mediators of exercise effects in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In vivo and in vitro studies |
| Supervisor: | prof. MUDr. Barbara Ukropcová, PhD. |
| Email: | barbara.ukropcova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Parkinson’s disease, skeletal muscle, brain, cognitive functions, human muscle cells, neuronal cell cultures, electrical pulse stimulation, metabolism, exerkines, extracellular vesicles |
| Annotation: | Regular exercise is an effective supportive therapeutic strategy for patients with PCh, the second most common neurodegenerative disease. In our previous work, we showed a positive effect of exercise on the clinical status and metabolism of patients with PCh. Exercise stimulates brain plasticity through systemic mechanisms that are activated during muscle contraction. These include exerkines, bioactive molecules that are released into the circulation during exercise and act also at the level of the brain. Exerkines can be transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs), complex mediators of tissue crosstalk. The aim of our clinical and in vitro studies is: 1. to determine the effects of physical exercise on the brain (MRI) and cognitive functions (cognitive test battery) of patients with mild and moderate PCh; 2. to analyze the effect of acute and regular exercise on exerkines and EVs from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and conditioned media from primary muscle cells of patients with PCh; 3. investigate the role of identified exercise-regulated molecules in intercellular communication using established in vitro cell culture models. |
| Study program: | animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Exercise and the brain: extracellular vesicles and exerkines in the interorgan crosstalk. In vivo and in vitro studies |
| Supervisor: | prof. MUDr. Barbara Ukropcová, PhD. |
| Email: | barbara.ukropcova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Exercise, skeletal muscle, brain, cognitive functions, human muscle cells, adipocytes, neuronal cell cultures, electrical pulse stimulation, metabolism, exerkines, extracellular vesicles |
| Annotation: | Regular, intense physical exercise is an effective prevention of aging-associated decline in cognitive functions, which significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (ACh). Exercise stimulates brain plasticity through systemic mechanisms that are activated during muscle contraction. These include exerkines, bioactive molecules that are released into the circulation during exercise, and can act at the brain level. Exerkines can be transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs). The aim of our clinical and in vitro studies is: 1. to determine the effects of physical exercise on the brain (MRI) and cognitive functions in the elderly with an increased risk of developing ACh; 2. to analyze the effect of acute and regular exercise on exerkines and EVs from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of young active individuals and seniors with an increased risk of ACh; 3. investigate the role of identified exercise-regulated molecules in intercellular communication using established in vitro cell culture models. |
| Study program: | animal physiology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Calcium signaling and mitochondrial metabolism under increased cardiac load |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Michal Cagalinec, PhD. |
| Email: | michal.cagalinec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | heart, calcium signaling, mitochondria, physical activity, ontogenetic development |
| Annotation: | Cardiovascular complications represent the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. These include both heart failure and complications of various metabolic diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms of these pathological conditions are insufficiently investigated at both the organ and cellular levels. The aim of the work is therefore to study calcium signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in experimental models of cardiac stress such as obesity, physical activity, ontogenetic development as well as the rare hereditary disease Wolfram syndrome. |
| Study program: | genetics |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Study of biological functions of poorly characterized pre-mRNA splicing factors |
| Supervisor: | Ing. Ľuboš Čipák, PhD. |
| Email: | lubos.cipak@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | pre-mRNA splicing; regulation of gene expression; affinity purification; S. pombe |
| Annotation: | The aim will be to characterize the biological functions of poorly characterized splicing factors of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. |
| Study program: | genetics |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Identification of genes regulating apocrine secretion |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Robert Farkaš, CSc. |
| Email: | robert.farkas@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | apocrine secretion, intracellular transport, mechanism of externalization, genetic screening, phenotype analysis, gene interactions |
| Annotation: | Apocine secretion is Golgi-independent nonvesicular transport and secretory mechanism found only in metazoan eukaryotes. In contrast to well known exocytosis, it is poorly characterized noncanonical secretion. The aim of the project is identification of molecular determinants (genes and proteins) controling process of apocrine secretion and to uncover components of this novel signaling pathway. |
| Study program: | molecular biology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Molecular analysis of genes regulating apocrine secretion |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Robert Farkaš, CSc. |
| Email: | robert.farkas@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | apocrine secretion, intracellular transport, mechanism of externalization, generating transgenic constructs and their phenotypic analysis, protein-protein interactions, proteomics |
| Annotation: | Apocine secretion (AS) is Golgi-independent nonvesicular transport and secretory mechanism found only in metazoan eukaryotes. In contrast to well known exocytosis, it is poorly characterized noncanonical secretion. The aim of the project is identification of molecular determinants (genes and proteins) controling process of AS and to uncover components of this novel signaling pathway. |
| Study program: | microbiology and virology |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Agens of rickettsioses and other tick-borne diseases: Perspectives of non-antibiotic therapy |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Eva Špitalská, PhD. |
| Email: | eva.spitalska@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Tick-borne pathogen, tick, human, variability, disesase, nanomaterials |
| Annotation: | Rickettsioses are among the oldest known diseases transmitted by vectors. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection. The geographical distribution of rickettsiae is related to their vectors. New cases of rickettsioses and new locations, where the presence of these bacteria is recognized, are still being identified. Antibiotic resistance is a global problem and maybe one day the treatment of tick-borne diseases will not be effective. To know agents, their variability, diagnosis of diseases caused by them, and their treatment in the early stage of acute infection using new nanomaterials are the aims of the study. |
| Study program: | biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | Metabolic flaxibility as a marker of metabolic health: mechanisms and molecular predictors |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Jozef Ukropec, DrSc. |
| Email: | jozef.ukropec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Metabolic flexibility, obesity, lifestyle intervention, exercise, extracellular vesicles, skeletal muscle |
| Annotation: | Metabolic flexibility is an important determinant of the metabolic health with the capacity to modulate effectiveness of the adaptive response to exercise & lifestyle interventions. Aim of this work is (i) to characterize clinical parameters and molecular biomarkers of metabolic flexibility expressed / released into systemic circulation in energetically challenging situations (exercise) and (ii) to determine effects of exercise derived factors (EVs) on proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic flexibility of human primary skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. Ultimately, we would like to define and validate metabolic flexibility- related biomarker with the capacity to predict response to a lifestyle intervention, providing personalised precision medicine for obesity related chronic diseases. |
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Deadline for application: 31. 05. 2025
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study program: | biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | The role of protein kinases in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing |
| Supervisor: | Ing. Ľuboš Čipák, PhD. |
| Email: | lubos.cipak@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | protein kinase; pre-mRNA splicing; regulation of gene expression; affinity purification; S. pombe |
| Annotation: | The aim will be to characterize the biological functions of selected protein kinases in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. |
| Study program: | biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily |
| Thesis: | In vitro assessment of the effects of a combination of phytochemicals and metal nanoparticles on gonadal somatic cells |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Soňa Scsuková, CSc. |
| Email: | sona.scsukova@hotmail.com |
| Keywords: | nanoparticles, phytochemicals, gonadal cells, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation |
| Annotation: | The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to the production of innovative (nano)products and applications, but has also raised concerns about potential human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and their adverse health effects. Recently, new approaches increasing the NP biosafety are of great interest. The administration of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties seems to provide a promising potential to mitigate the adverse effects of NPs on biological systems. The aim of the PhD thesis is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms (apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation) of the effects of selected metal NPs (silver, gold, copper) with different physicochemical properties (size, surface modification) in combination with phytochemicals on the functions of ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Leydig cells in vitro. |
