Students of the Collegium Medicum at the University of Zielona Góra had a unique opportunity to attend a lecture delivered by one of the world’s leading experts in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Professor Richard Burt of Northwestern University travelled from the United States to share his expertise, clinical experience, and the latest developments in his research.
According to the authorities of the Collegium Medicum, this was the first event of its kind at the University, featuring a medical specialist of such international standing.
“This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Collegium Medicum. We have reached a stage in our development where we are able to invite leading figures from the global medical community. Professor Burt is an internationally recognized authority, and his visit represents a remarkable opportunity for both our students and academic staff. It offers direct exposure not only to cutting-edge medicine but also to a distinguished scientist capable of presenting it within a broader perspective. This is particularly valuable for students who are beginning their professional journeys and planning to pursue careers in medicine,” said Professor Marcin Zaniew, Vice-Rector for the Collegium Medicum at the University of Zielona Góra.
The lecture focused on cellular therapies, covering the origins of transplantation medicine, the significant advances in cell-based treatments pioneered by Professor Burt, and the innovative research currently underway in the field. Professor Burt was responsible for performing the first hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the United States for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
As Professor Emilian Snarski, Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Zielona Góra, emphasized: “Professor Richard Burt is not only an outstanding scientist, as evidenced by his influential publications, but also a physician whose work has transformed the lives of countless patients. He has received numerous awards and is the author of several highly regarded books on transplantation. He came to inspire our students so that they may become even better physicians and build successful careers in their chosen specialties. Professor Burt also discussed the latest developments in transplantation medicine, the possibilities for advancing patient care in Poland, the challenges that still remain, and the future direction of the field.”
Professor Emilian Snarski also actively participated in the lecture, presenting the history of bone marrow transplantation and highlighting the remarkable progress achieved in this area of medicine. Professor Burt, in turn, guided the audience through a fascinating journey spanning the past, present, and future of cellular therapies.
“The past is represented by the development of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapies for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Today, these therapies have become a standard treatment option. The future lies in the development of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and their potential role in addressing the challenges of ageing. We have already demonstrated the ability to extend lifespan in animal models—which may sound surprising, but it is indeed possible—and to apply this technology in the treatment of degenerative diseases. We are currently preparing our protocol, and this summer we will hold our first pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” explained Professor Richard Burt of Northwestern University.
The leadership of the Collegium Medicum hopes that meetings with distinguished international experts will become a regular feature of academic life at the University of Zielona Góra, providing students with even greater access to knowledge, inspiration, and global perspectives in medicine.
