HUPHAR2025 was an international pharmacology conference organized by the Hungarian Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (HUPHAR) from June 4–6, 2025 in the scenic surroundings of Mátraháza, Hungary, at the Ózon Hotel & Luxury Villas. Situated near the Kékes Peak, the highest point of Hungary, the venue provided an inspiring backdrop for exchanging scientific results and ideas. (https://huphar.org/huphar2025/en/welcome-english/) The event brought together nearly 300 participants, including researchers, clinicians, pharma industry and regulatory experts, as well as students, to explore the latest advancements in pharmacological science.
The conference featured a dynamic and multidisciplinary scientific program. Key topics included translational pharmacology, drug discovery and development, epigenetics, omics techniques and bioinformatics, oncopharmacology, neuropharmacology, and novel therapies for cardiovascular diseases, pain and inflammation.
The highlight of the conference was the official presentation of the 2024 „Drug of the Year” Award (a trademark of HUPHAR), which was given to Pfizer’s RSV vaccine in recognition of its outstanding contribution to pharmacological innovation. Prof. Dr. Zsuzsanna Helyes received the Issekutz Prize in recognition of her scientific career, while Prof. Dr. Sándor Kerpel-Fronius received the Knoll-Szolcsányi Prize in recognition of his work in science organization. The event featured 12 plenary and keynote lectures by internationally renowned experts. Two distinguished guests, Professor Francesca Levi-Schaffer, President of IUPHAR and Professor María Jesús Sanz Ferrando, President of EPHAR, graced the conference. The international character of the event was underlined by the fact that participants came from more than ten countries, representing institutions and research centres from all over the world.
The scientific and organisational management of the conference was coordinated by a team of leading Hungarian pharmacologists, including Zsuzsanna Helyes, Péter Ferdinandy, past President of HUPHAR, Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP) and Katalin Monostory.
The event was also enriched by the participation of internationally renowned personalities in the field. Among the distinguished guests were the former President of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), Professor Clive Page, Professor Roland Seifert, Editor-in-Chief of the Naunyn-Schmiedeberg Pharmaceutical Archives, President-elect of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT), Professor Andreas Papapetropoulos, former President of EPHAR, Editor-in-Chief of BJP Reviews and Themed Issues and Professor Rainer Schulz, Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Pharmacology. Their presence underlined the scientific prestige of the event and highlighted the strong international links of the Hungarian pharmacological community.
A special focus was on fostering young researchers, a dedicated Young Investigator Session allowed early-career researchers to present their work in front of an international audience, with financial support provided to facilitate student participation. Industry representatives, including a session organized by Gedeon Richter PLc. and speakers from PharmNovo Ltd Sweden, provided valuable insights into the most recent drug development scopes and ideas.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference fostered professional networking and collaboration, with poster presentations, informal discussions, and social events enhancing community-building. With its diverse program and collegial atmosphere, HUPHAR2025 successfully bridged basic research and clinical application, affirming its role as a key forum for pharmacological innovation in Central Europe.
The success of the conference was also thanks to the dedicated efforts of the section organizers, who curated high-quality, professionally enriching sessions across a broad range of pharmacological topics. Their thoughtful selection of speakers and timely, well-structured themes ensured that each session offered valuable insights and stimulated lively scientific discussion. These contributions greatly enhanced the overall depth and relevance of the scientific program.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce that the next annual conference, HUPHAR2026, will be held at the same scenic venue in Mátraháza from June 3–5, 2026. We warmly welcome all colleagues and collaborators—both returning and new participants—to join us again for another inspiring and high-level scientific meeting.
Photos from the event can be viewed by clicking here: https://huphar.org/bwg_album/galeria/
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