The Technology and Innovation Park of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (TIP-UPJŠ) showcased its activities and opportunities for international scientific collaboration at a conference that brought together experts from 20 countries across three continents. The university was represented by Assoc. Prof. Michal Goga, who, during professional discussions, introduced the MetaboliteMarket initiative and highlighted opportunities for TIP-UPJŠ to participate in international research projects.
The international scientific conference provided a platform not only for presenting the latest scientific findings but also for establishing new professional contacts and discussing potential future collaborations between research institutions.
The conference was organized by a team from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SPU), led by Prof. Martin Bačkor, Vice-Dean for Science, Research, and International Relations, in cooperation with staff from the SPU’s AgroBioTech Research Centre. The Technology and Innovation Park (TIP-UPJŠ), under the leadership of its director, Dr. Andrej Miroššay, also served as a partner for the event.
During informal meetings and professional discussions, Assoc. Prof. Michal Goga presented the work of the TIP-UPJŠ, its research potential, and the MetaboliteMarket initiative. It sparked interest among conference participants, particularly regarding its potential applications in biomonitoring and environment-focused research.
Engaging discussions also took place with representatives from the academic community in Nitra, who inquired about the operations and organizational structure of TIP-UPJŠ, as well as how it bridges research with innovation activities. Given the existing incubation and innovation initiatives in Nitra, an opportunity has emerged for the exchange of experience and potential collaboration with the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SPU).
Participation in the conference once again underscored the importance of actively showcasing UPJŠ’s research and innovation capabilities at professional events that foster interdisciplinary cooperation. In-person meetings with international partners are particularly valuable, as they allow TIP-UPJŠ to be presented as a potential partner for large-scale international research projects, while also opening doors for the university to join new scientific consortia.
The positive reception from participants representing 20 countries across three continents further highlighted the significance of integrating scientific research, innovation, and international collaboration. The professional value of the conference is also reflected in the upcoming special issue of the prestigious scientific journal *Environmental Research*—published by Elsevier and ranked in the first quartile (Q1). For TIP-UPJŠ, participation in the conference represented an opportunity to showcase its activities within the international academic environment, establish new contacts, and lay the groundwork for the development of future joint research and innovation projects.
