Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders represent one of the major scientific and societal challenges of today. The event brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, patient representatives, and members of the public to discuss the latest advances in brain research and the role of emerging technologies in improving diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
The programme consisted of two parts. The first session introduced the vision of the CLARA Centre, its research priorities, and the development of a unique interdisciplinary infrastructure connecting artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and neuroscience. Representatives of CLARA partner institutions presented how advanced computational methods and large-scale data analysis can open new possibilities in brain research.
The second part featured a public discussion on current and future approaches to Alzheimer’s disease research and care. Experts from neuroscience, medicine, and patient support organisations explored the challenges of early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and the importance of collaboration between researchers, clinicians, patients, and their families.
The discussion was moderated by Jarka Švarcbachová, director of the Seňorina Centre, with contributions from experts including Šárka Kovandová from the Alzheimer Foundation, Professor Jakub Hort from the Cognitive Centre at the University Hospital Motol and Charles University, and physician Iryna Babych.
The event highlighted the importance of combining expertise from artificial intelligence, computational sciences, and medical research—an interdisciplinary approach that forms the foundation of the CLARA Centre’s mission to advance research into brain health and neurodegenerative diseases.
A recording of the event is available on the CLARA YouTube channel.
Organising CLARA Partners:
In collaboration with:
Brain, Memory and Technology: Where Science Stands Today and What Lies Ahead in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Date:
13 June 2025
Venue:
Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC CTU), Prague, Czech Republic
Format:
Press conference and public expert discussion
Organised by:
CLARA Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in System Brain Research
In collaboration with:
Alzheimer Foundation and Seňorina Centre
Key topics:
- Current advances in Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment
- The role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in brain research
- New approaches to diagnosis, monitoring, and personalised care
- The potential of interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscience, medicine, and technology
Speakers and participants included:
- Prof. RNDr. Václav Snášel, CSc. – Director of CLARA, Rector of VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava
- Ing. Jakub Uchytil – Director of the Department of Research and Development Project Administration at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
- Dr. Vít Dočkal – INDRC (International Center for Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases)
- Dr. Josef Šivic – CIIRC CTU (Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics at the Czech Technical University in Prague)
- Dr. Ondřej Uher – FNUSA-ICRC (International Center for Clinical Research)
- Dr. Branislav Jansík – VŠB-TUO - IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center at VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava
- Jarka Švarcbachová – visionary and director of the Seňorina Center
- Mgr. Šárka Kovandová – director of the Alzheimer’s Endowment Fund
- Prof. MUDr. Jakub Hort, Ph.D. – neurologist, head of the Cognitive Center at the Neurology Clinic of Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, and Motol University Hospital; chair of the INDRC Scientific Council and member of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Foundation
- MUDr. Iryna Babych – general practitioner, MUDr. Martin Borský Medical Practice, Mladá Boleslav
Moderator:
Jarka Švarcbachová – Seňorina Center