Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice hosted the international professional meeting Summer School ECRIN 2025, which took place from September 23 to 25, 2025, on the occasion of the working meeting of the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) team. The event was organized by the Slovak Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (SLOVACRIN).
It is no coincidence that this year’s meeting was organized in Slovakia. On January 27, 2025, the Slovak Republic became a full member of the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, which allows us to participate fully in the decision-making processes of this prestigious pan-European organization for clinical trials. “Slovakia’s full membership in the ECRIN network is an important step towards strengthening Slovakia’s scientific and research infrastructure and increasing the competitiveness of our clinical research facilities. It was an honor to welcome leading European experts to Košice, which proves that Slovakia is becoming a respected partner and part of the European research elite,” said Prof. MUDr. Daniel Pella, PhD., UPJŠ Rector and SLOVACRIN Director General.
The ECRIN Summer School was officially opened by Prof. Daniel Pella, PhD., Rector of UPJŠ and Director General of SLOVACRIN, and Jacques Demotes, Director General of ECRIN and head of the central team of the European infrastructure based in France.
SLOVACRIN Medical Director MUDr. Beata Čečetková, PhD., began by presenting basic information about this national research network, its history, future goals, and the results of clinical trials, which have led, among other things, to the cure of severely ill paediatric oncology patients. “The existence of SLOVACRIN brings new hope to many Slovak patients,” emphasized Rector and CEO Daniel Pella. “The existence of SLOVACRIN brings new hope to many Slovak patients,” emphasized Rector and CEO Daniel Pella.
The program continued with lectures and discussions on current topics in the world of medicine, such as international cooperation in clinical research, challenges in the regulation of medical devices, and the use of artificial intelligence in the design and implementation of clinical studies. The event created a platform for exchanging experiences, building long-term partnerships, and strengthening research infrastructure at the national and international levels. The event included a workshop for the ECRIN team focused on soft skills in clinical research, particularly in the areas of communication, leadership, teamwork, and project management.
SLOVACRIN – the future of clinical research in Slovakia
