Two of Our Young Researchers Earn PhD Degrees with “Summa Cum Laude” Distinction

We are proud to announce that two of our young researcher colleagues, Attila Csomos and Farkas Domahidy, have recently obtained their PhD degrees. It is a particular pleasure that both were awarded the “summa cum laude” distinction by the Scientific Committee, reflecting their outstanding scientific achievements. 

Attila Csomos conducts research in the Chemical Development team at BrainVisionCenter, focusing on small-molecule fluorophores and functional probes for microscopy. His doctoral work explored the conformational locking of the chromophore of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), with the aim of enabling its application in small-molecule form for fluorescence imaging. His research resulted in the development of a novel family of fluorescent zinc sensors, as well as two new heteroaromatic fluorophore scaffolds. These advances open new possibilities in neuroscience research by providing stronger fluorescence signals, particularly when used with the ATLAS two-photon microscopes developed at BVC. 

Farkas Domahidy, a chemical engineer, focuses his research on DNA-binding fluorescent probes. His PhD work investigated the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescence behavior, with particular emphasis on thiazole orange derivatives. A key outcome of his research is a comprehensive study that, for the first time, systematically compares the fluorescence enhancement and PCR applicability of the most widely used thiazole-orange-based DNA-binding dyes. This work enables a more informed selection of dye compounds for PCR-based applications. In addition, his research includes the development of new DNA-binding dye molecules and the investigation of their fluorescence enhancement mechanisms. 

The achievements of our colleagues highlight not only their individual excellence but also the strength of BrainVisionCenter’s interdisciplinary research environment, where chemistry, biology, and advanced imaging technologies come together to drive new scientific discoveries. 

We warmly congratulate Attila and Farkas on their outstanding accomplishments and wish them continued success in their scientific careers. 

BrainVisionCenter at Brain Awareness Week at ELTE

Researchers at the BrainVisionCenter participated in the Brain Awareness Week event series hosted at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), where they showcased their work to hundreds of interested students and offered a glimpse into the world of neuroscience. 

Our researchers are no strangers to education or to introducing the next generation to the mysteries of scientific life-especially when they can do so through engaging and interactive demonstrations. During the event, visitors explored key concepts of brain research using a LEGO mouse model, alongside our world-first device, Moculus. 

The Moculus is the result of a collaboration between the BrainVisionCenter and the HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine (HUN-REN KOKI). This virtual reality (VR) headset, specifically optimized for mice, opens up entirely new perspectives in the study of brain function, particularly in visual and sensory processing. 

By using Moculus, our researchers contribute to advances in restoring vision, as well as to improving the diagnosis and future treatment of central nervous system disorders. 

The event provided an excellent opportunity to bring science closer to the younger generation and to demonstrate how curiosity can evolve into a career in research. 

  

Young Talents at Our Research Institute

It is always a special pleasure for us to welcome young, talented students to our Research Institute and give them a glimpse into the world of science.  

Recently, students from Eötvös High School in Budapest visited us; they were given this opportunity in recognition of their outstanding results in the János Irinyi National Chemistry Competition. During the visit, they were able to experience firsthand how research work is conducted in practice and the environment in which the latest scientific findings are generated.  

The program not only provided a glimpse into everyday laboratory life but also served as a source of inspiration for the participants:  

“It was fascinating to see a functioning lab, especially one dedicated to brain research. Thanks to this, I can better imagine what a researcher’s daily life looks like.”  

“It was great to visit such a high-level research facility, get a glimpse of the working conditions, and see how well-equipped a laboratory in Hungary can be. I would have happily spent more time there.”  

“Overall, this program inspired me to consider pursuing research in chemistry in the future. I would definitely recommend this opportunity to anyone who asks!” 

We believe that opportunities like these help bring the next generation even closer to science-and perhaps the researchers of the future are being born right now. 

BrainVisionCenter researcher gives lecture to high school students about neuroscience

Balázs Tarján, biologist researcher at our institute, recently gave a lecture at Óbuda University for science-oriented secondary school students from Budapest and Hungarian communities beyond the border.
In his talk titled “What Does a Neuroscientist Do?”, he introduced the everyday work of a researcher – from conducting animal experiments and reading and writing scientific articles to giving lectures and preparing research grant proposals.
The students showed great interest and asked several questions, particularly about the research conducted at BrainVisionCenter aimed at restoring vision.

We’ve joined the European Animal Research Association (EARA)

We are pleased to announce that BVC has become the fourth organization in Hungary to join the European Animal Research Association (EARA), an international professional community, represents credible, evidence-based, and transparent communication working with animals in scientific research across Europe.

EARA brings together more than 200 member organizations and actively supports responsible professional dialogue, as well as accurate information for decision-makers and the public.

This membership is a natural step for BVC: compliance with legal and ethical standards, along with open and responsible communication, has always been a core principle of our Institute’s operations.

We are particularly proud that Dr. Fedor Flóra Zsófia, Head of our Animal Protection Department, participates in the organization’s work as BVC’s official representative, and also serves as an editor of EARA Hungary’s X (formerly Twitter) platform.

We visitid the Pázmány Péter Catholic University Open Day

Education plays a major role in BVC’s activities, particularly through continuous engagement with secondary school, university, and college students.

In line with this philosophy, we are continuing our active participation in university scientific open days this year as well. Recently, our colleagues – led by our senior research biologist, Gergely Szalay – presented our company’s research activities at the open day called “Témabörze” at Pázmány Péter Catholic University. At the BVC stand, dozens of enthusiastic students had the opportunity to see our Moculus device.

 

Interview with Nóra Lenkey and Máté Neubrandt on the program Felfedező of Kossuth Radio

Nóra Lenkey and Máté Neubrandt, a young researcher couple who began their scientific careers at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, returned to Hungary after seven years at the University of Oslo to join BrainVisionCenter. Their work focuses on understanding how mice navigate and learn in both familiar and entirely new environments. Using a virtual reality system, mice run on a foam wheel while moving through colorful, computer-generated corridors displayed on monitors. This setup allows researchers to observe how internal spatial maps form in the hippocampus and how specific neuronal cell types influence an animal’s ability to orient itself, discover rewards, and adapt to novel surroundings. Their findings highlight the essential role of these cells in spatial navigation, suggesting parallels in human brain function.

BrainVisionCenter provides a unique environment where microscopy development, biological experiments, molecular tools, and chemical innovations are integrated, enabling rapid transitions from new concepts to practical applications. One of the center’s newest tools is a robot-arm–based microscope capable of following a freely moving mouse in real time, making it possible to perform high-resolution imaging during natural behavior and expanding the range of behaviors that can be studied under realistic conditions.

Nóra joined the epilepsy research group, which is developing a diagnostic method to precisely locate seizure-generating brain regions during surgery by imaging neuronal activity at the level of individual cells. This approach may enable surgeons to identify the exact cells involved in epileptic activity and potentially eliminate them with focused laser pulses, minimizing tissue loss and preserving critical brain functions. The method has already been validated in mice, and its publication is underway.

Their decision to return home was influenced by the scientific vision of the center, the opportunity to collaborate closely with engineers and developers, and the dynamic, translational research environment. On a personal level, they valued being closer to family, especially for their two young daughters, and found it difficult to fully integrate socially in Norway due to cultural distance. In Budapest, they appreciate the ease of forming connections and the familiar sense of community.

The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) in Shanghai and Seoul National University Hospital visited us

The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) in Shanghai is one of the world’s leading neurobiological research centers, comprising 50 laboratories. Seoul National University Hospital is likewise one of the premier educational and research institutions in the field of neurology in the Far East. We are proud that large delegations from both countries visited our research institute, led by the Directors of these two highly prestigious institutions. Our colleagues received with great interest the presentations on the 3D-AO microscope and the Mocular system, as well as our recent research findings in epilepsy and schizophrenia. We also discussed potential avenues for collaboration in the areas of vision restoration and brain imaging.

A well-known Hungarian researcher couple returns from Norway to Join the BrainVisionCenter

We are proud to announce that Dr. Nóra Lenkey (researcher-physician) and Máté Neubrandt (biologist) have returned to Hungary after seven years in Norway to continue their careers with us.

They studied brain function at an international research laboratory at the University of Oslo. Now, at the BrainVisionCenter, they will continue their work and contribute to developing technologies that could radically transform the treatment of certain brain disorders. Click HERE for the full article.

Balázs Rózsa in Chongqing: Presenting BVC Innovations and Professional Meetings

Balázs Rózsa, founder and scientific director of the BrainVision Center, visited Chongqing, one of China’s most populous cities, accompanied by Ádám Halkó, International Scientific Partnerships Manager. During our trip, we met with several institutes specializing in neurology and brain research, where we presented the latest BVC developments.

Rózsa delivered a lecture to an audience of several hundred, highlighting our newest results and technologies. During the visit, he also met with Ferenc Krausz and Ambassador Máté Pesti.