International Cooperation for the Development of Health Sciences

A cooperation agreement was signed on 29 January between the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs and the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences of the Applied Science Private University (ASU) in Jordan. The aim of the partnership is for the jointly created knowledge and experience to be utilised in practice, thereby strengthening the preparedness of future healthcare professionals and the well-being of society as a whole.

At the centre of the agreement lies the shared recognition that global health challenges—such as the prevention of chronic diseases, the development of rehabilitation, the strengthening of the public health approach, and the renewal of healthcare professional training—can only be effectively addressed through international cooperation, coordinated educational programmes, and jointly created scientific results.

Gallery

The agreement is a step of strategic importance in strengthening the international position of the University of Pécs in the field of health and sport sciences. The parties' goal is to support the development of health sciences, harmonise training programmes, and strengthen joint research and publication activities. Within the framework of the cooperation, the two institutions plan to develop joint research topics, map out scholarship opportunities, and implement joint research projects.

The agreement also extends to mobility, as well as the organisation of joint seminars, workshops, and scientific events. Lecturer and expert exchange programmes are key tools for knowledge transfer, professional development, and the deepening of institutional relations, while student mobility—particularly professional internships and international training opportunities—strengthens the global perspective of future healthcare professionals. The parties will also examine the possibilities of launching joint bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes.

Dr József Betlehem, Vice-Rector for General, Strategic and International Connections at the University of Pécs, stated in connection with the agreement that it lays the foundation for a long-term, strategic partnership in the field of health science education, research, and international scientific community building. “Its goal is the joint handling of global health challenges and the strengthening of the institutions' international visibility. Both institutions are convinced that global health challenges, whether it be the prevention of chronic diseases, the development of rehabilitation, the strengthening of the public health approach, or the renewal of the training of healthcare professionals, can only be handled effectively through international cooperation. The current memorandum records precisely this joint thinking and assumption of responsibility”, emphasised the Vice-Rector.

The partnership between the two institutions dates back to June 2025, and joint work has already brought remarkable results during this short time—Dr Wamidh Talib, Dean of the Applied Science Private University (ASU), spoke about this amongst other things in his welcome speech: “These achievements reflect not only the strength of our research team but also the trust, synergy and shared scientific vision between our universities. Looking ahead, this partnership opens the door for future multi-country clinical and research stripes, allowing us to expand the scale, quality and international impact of our research. Social collaborations are essential for addressing complex health challenges and for enhancing the scientific regard and global facility of our joint publications. Equally important is the exchange of students and staff, including clinical placement and the clinical opportunities. These exchanges enrich the educational experience for all students by exposing them to diverse healthcare systems and different patient population and clinical trials.”

Through the collaboration, the parties strive to achieve scientific and educational results in the long term that not only serve the professional development of the institutions but also contribute in a tangible way to raising the standard of healthcare.

Welcome speeches were also given at the event by Dr Katalin Szili, member of the Board of Trustees of the Universitas Quinqueecclesiensis Foundation, as well as Dr Pongrác Ács, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs. Following the signing of the cooperation agreement, Dr Aseel Aburub, Vice-Dean of ASU, delivered a scientific lecture to the participants. 

Author: Martina Aknai-Kiss
Photos: Szabolcs Csortos
Translation: Hanna Leemans