Welcome to the Website of the National Laboratory for Translational Neuroscience!
The mission of the National Laboratory for Translational Neuroscience (TINL), implemented within the framework of the Széchenyi Plus program, is to address an unrecognized epidemic: the methodological improvement of the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. TINL covers a unique research spectrum, addressing neurological disorders and diseases occurring from birth to old age.
According to the Global Burden of Disease data from 2021, the impact of 37 different neurological conditions—including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and meningitis—was analyzed. The study revealed that the number of years lost to disability-adjusted life years (the number of healthy life years lost due to disease onset) due to neurological diseases increased globally by 18% from 1990 to 2021, rising from 375 million to 443 million years. According to the World Health Organization, at least 3.4 billion people worldwide suffer from neurological diseases, which now place a greater burden on healthcare, society, and individuals than cardiovascular diseases, once considered the leading cause of mortality and permanent disability. It is no exaggeration to say that the rapid spread of neurological diseases represents an unrecognized epidemic, with numerous challenges in managing its consequences and treatment.
The mission of TINL, realized within the Széchenyi Plus program, is to improve the prevention and treatment methods of neurological diseases. TINL covers a unique research spectrum, addressing neurological disorders and diseases from birth to old age. The collaboration of six consortium partners (HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis University, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Automation, Richter Gedeon Plc., and the consortium-leading University of Pécs) enables TINL's activities within two main programs. These programs encompass research from embryonic neurological developmental disorders to neurological diseases associated with aging.
Programs and Objectives
The program focusing on neurological developmental disorders, led by the Institute of Experimental Medicine (KOKI), aims to comprehensively understand the disease mechanisms underlying early neurological changes and, through this, develop new diagnostic and intervention opportunities. Neurological developmental disorders include fetal alcohol syndrome, neonatal hypoxic brain injury, autism, and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The program coordinated by the University of Pécs focuses on adult neurological disorders. Its goal is to develop new therapeutic procedures for neurological diseases that impose a significant burden on both the national economy and individuals and their families. One of our key objectives is to implement and expand data-driven medicine, i.e., to develop online platforms, registries, and analytical programs based on structured healthcare data generated through clinical work using digital medicine and data-driven healthcare methods. These tools will facilitate the efficient use of national clinical data assets in the therapy of neurological conditions.
To achieve this, we aim to address the challenges of structured clinical data generation for diseases of significant public health impact (stroke, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, epilepsy, internet addiction, movement disorders, certain psychiatric conditions). This effort primarily involves the development of the electronic patient information system (EHS), namely the eMedSolution system. In previous research, we found that although a clinical data asset comprising hundreds of thousands of records is available, it is predominantly unstructured, making it unsuitable for analysis with modern data processing tools. As a result, it is currently impossible to evaluate the effects of clinical conditions, disease progression, pharmacological, or instrumental interventions on the disease state.
Therefore, our fundamental goal is to transform the vast amount of data generated during medical examinations and interventions into a structured, physician- and patient-friendly data set. Utilizing this structured data will significantly enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of specific diseases, while also contributing to a better understanding of these conditions and supporting the work of healthcare authorities.
Due to the complexity and diversity of our research subject—the human nervous system—you can find more detailed information about the work and objectives of each program in the respective sections of our website. We wish all our visitors an insightful and pleasant browsing experience!
Professional Leaders:
Prof. Dr. Tamás Dóczi
Professional Leader, Program on Adult Neurological Disorders
Prof. Dr. Zoltán Nusser
Professional Leader, Program on Neurological Developmental Disorders