University of Ostrava opens new LERCO Research Centre. Bringing cutting-edge research and international scientists to the region

A new research centre has opened on the campus of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ostrava, bringing together researchers from the University of Ostrava, University Hospital Ostrava, and VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. The project comprises nine research programmes covering a broad range of fields, from molecular biology and genomics to cancer research, neurosurgery, environmental epidemiology, and biomedical engineering.

The new centre provides the University with state-of-the-art facilities that will enable it to further develop its research potential, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and attract leading Czech and international experts to Ostrava. Research activities under the LERCO project have been underway since 2023 and will now benefit from cutting-edge facilities designed to support their continued development.

The official opening ceremony, held on 7 September, marked a significant milestone for both the University of Ostrava and the entire region. Following speeches by representatives of the University of Ostrava, University Hospital Ostrava, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, the Ministry of the Environment, the Operational Programme Just Transition (OPST), the Department for Supporting the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy, regional and municipal authorities, and the construction company, the ceremony culminated in a symbolic ribbon-cutting, officially opening the new LERCO building.

The programme, however, did not end with the ceremony. Guests were invited to explore the new facilities through guided tours of the laboratories and research infrastructure, while also gaining first-hand insight into the research programmes being carried out as part of the project. The opening therefore served not only as a ceremonial occasion, but also as the first opportunity to introduce guests to the new centre and the research taking place within it.

“The official opening of the LERCO building is a significant moment not only for the University of Ostrava, but for our entire region. The establishment of this research centre confirms Ostrava′s ambition to be a place where cutting-edge research is conducted, expertise from different fields comes together, and solutions are developed to address the challenges we face as a society,” says Petr Kopecký, Rector of the University of Ostrava.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Roman Hájek, Principal Investigator of the LERCO project, emphasised that the true value of the new building lies not in the building itself, but above all in the people who will work there: “Outstanding research facilities such as LERCO are officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In reality, however, they truly come to life when talent, courage, hard work, and collaboration come together within their walls – through the researchers who work there.”

From student projects to research that can make a difference

Research at LERCO is not just about abstract figures or results published in academic journals. One of its concrete goals, for example, is to identify new and more effective ways of treating blood cancers.

Researchers are focusing on multiple myeloma and other diseases associated with the production of abnormal proteins in the blood, combining genetic, immunological, and clinical data in their work.

This allows them to better predict how the disease is likely to progress in individual patients and which treatment may be most effective for them. Their work is therefore advancing personalised medicine – treatment tailored as closely as possible to the needs of each individual patient.

Another team is investigating the impact of environmental factors on health in the region, while others are exploring virtual reality and its applications in healthcare.

This means that LERCO brings together disciplines that may not, at first glance, appear closely related – biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, movement sciences, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Bringing these fields together is one of the project′s core principles.

The centre is not intended solely for experienced researchers. The project also includes eight new degree programmes, will involve 220 students, and is expected to create 40 new research positions.

For students, LERCO therefore offers more opportunities to become involved in research projects while still studying, gain hands-on experience with modern research methods, and work alongside experts from a wide range of disciplines.

Why Ostrava?

LERCO was also established as part of the transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region. After decades of being associated primarily with heavy industry, the region is seeking to become a hub for modern science, technology, and innovation.

LERCO is expected to contribute to this transformation not only through its research activities, but also by attracting new experts to the region and creating an environment that fosters collaboration between universities, hospitals, and other institutions. The project is one of the largest strategic projects supported by the Just Transition Operational Programme and has received CZK 1.57 billion in EU funding. The Just Transition Fund is designed to help regions moving away from heavy industry create new opportunities in science, education, innovation, and highly skilled employment.

For students, this can translate into more opportunities to become involved in research while still studying, participate in interdisciplinary and international projects, or pursue a research career in the region after completing their Master′s degree.

LERCO is just the beginning

The opening of the building does not mark the end of the LERCO story. Quite the opposite. The new centre is designed to provide a long-term base for researchers and students and to foster collaboration across disciplines.

The building combines laboratory and administrative facilities and has been designed as a modern workplace for the research activities of the University of Ostrava′s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, as well as University Hospital Ostrava.

The site itself has also undergone a major transformation. LERCO was built on the brownfield site of a former hospital, which is gradually being transformed into an open, green environment with spaces for relaxation. The building also incorporates geothermal boreholes, photovoltaic panels, green roofs, and shading systems, helping to keep its energy consumption low.

For the University of Ostrava, the opening of the new LERCO building is above all confirmation that cutting-edge research does not have to be confined to major research centres in the Czech Republic or abroad. It can thrive in the regions too – and students can be part of it from the very beginning.