Project ID No: 2020-2.1.1-ED-2021-00190

Project title
Establishment of infrastructure for the basic research programme for the restoration of vision and for the basic research processes for the diagnosis and therapy of other central nervous system diseases.

Short summary of the project:
By implementing this application, BrainVisionCenter Nonprofit Kft. undertakes to establish the research infrastructure necessary to launch a research programme spanning almost 12 years, the part covered by this application, and the technical equipment necessary to implement the research plans. This technical equipment is a neurophotonic, acousto-optical technical development that goes beyond the current frontiers of science and technology with a multidisciplinary approach, and represents a valid alternative for the leaders of the scientific field. The research programme is expected to contribute to the acquisition of scientific degrees by a number of Hungarian researchers, to the retention of research excellence, to their professional fulfilment and/or to their return home, in such a way that Hungary’s scientific and technical advantage in the development of neurophotonics and acousto-optical systems will not only be maintained but also increased.

Project implementation period: 2021.12.28 – 2022.12.27

Project budget: 1.099.000.000 Ft

Project aid intensity: 100%

Project location:
1094 Budapest, Liliom u. 43.
1094 Budapest, Tűzoltó u. 59.
7673 Kővágószőlős 524/1.

Project ID No:
2020-2.1.1-ED-2022-00208

Project title:
Development of neurophotonic, molecular biological, neurochemical methods, brain interfaces and automated measurement systems for the development of therapies and diagnostics for vision restoration and other central nervous system diseases

Short summary of the project:
The project will develop a high-throughput automated robotic microscope for high throughput selection of AAV vectors for human retinal therapeutic procedures. The method uses 3D, fast, acousto-optical microscopy to measure the transfer function (input-output characteristics) of retinal samples, selecting the AAV vector constructs that most efficiently restore human retinal function. The project also aims to rapidly measure the brain function of marmosets in 3D to test different brain-computer interfaces and methods. This will include testing the 3D acousto-optical microscope itself as a possible version of the brain-computer interface. The work will also include the development of voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes, photoactive materials for 3D in vivo measurements and fluorescent dyes for diagnostic purposes. With these solutions, the BrainVisionCenter’s research infrastructure can serve as a service centre providing access to state-of-the-art multiphoton techniques and modern neurophotonic methods for contracted researchers, companies, students, and doctoral and postdoctoral students, thus contributing to the development of the Hungarian high-tech biotechnology industry, the retention of a high-level scientific research base, and the repatriation of Hungarian researchers. The acousto-optical deflector development and manufacturing capacity created during the project will help Hungary, which was the world leader in this segment in the 1990s and still has an outstanding theoretical knowledge base, to regain its leading position.

Project implementation period: 2022.05.01 – 2023.07.31

Project budget: 3.899.800.000 Ft

Project aid intensity: 100%

Project location:
1094 Budapest, Liliom u. 43.
1094 Budapest, Tűzoltó u. 59.
7673 Kővágószőlős 524/1.