Innovation Scholarship Competition at UMF „Iuliu Hațieganu”

Dear students, it’s time to turn your ideas into innovative solutions!

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Iuliu Hațieganu”, in partnership with AstraZeneca, is launching the Innovation Scholarship Competition, aimed at students from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy, interested in developing medical projects with academic and social impact.

What do we offer?

  • 15 scholarships of 5,400 RON per student
  • The opportunity to develop innovative solutions in the medical field
  • A recognition diploma for the selected students

Who can participate?

  • Students enrolled in undergraduate programs at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Depending on the project complexity and theme, up to 5 teams of 3 students each will be accepted.

General themes for projects

Students are encouraged to propose original, innovative, applicable projects with a real impact in the medical field, addressing one of the following themes:

Innovative Medical and Pharmaceutical Research

New solutions for improving diagnosis, treatments, or prevention in various medical and pharmaceutical fields. Examples:

  • Development of predictive models for early diagnosis of chronic or rare diseases
  • New methods for biomarker analysis for personalized diagnosis
  • Integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging interpretation
  • Research on drug interactions and side effects to better personalize treatments
  • New controlled-release pharmaceutical formulas to improve treatment adherence

Integrated Management Algorithms for Specific Pathologies

Creating structured guidelines or algorithms to improve the therapeutic approach for certain diseases. Examples:

  • Optimized protocols for diabetic patients based on individual factors
  • Algorithms for multidisciplinary management of oncology patients
  • Personalized treatment pathways for complex cardiovascular diseases
  • Projects optimizing pharmacological treatments in chronic diseases
  • Development of an algorithm for pharmacovigilance and adverse reaction reporting
  • Integration of pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams for medication therapy monitoring

Optimizing the Patient’s Journey in the Medical System

Solutions to reduce waiting times, improve coordination between specialists, and increase efficiency in patient care. Examples:

  • Mobile applications guiding patients through the diagnosis and treatment process
  • Projects aimed at reducing emergency room waiting times
  • Creating integrated pathways between general practitioners, pharmacies, and hospitals for continuous and efficient care
  • Digitization of prescriptions and integration with patient history for better treatment monitoring

Support Programs for Patients and Medical Education

Initiatives dedicated to helping patients manage chronic diseases and raising public awareness about health. Examples:

  • Digital platforms or support groups for patients diagnosed with rare diseases
  • Interactive educational materials for chronic disease patients (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases)
  • Awareness campaigns on the importance of prevention and screening
  • Creation of guides for the correct use of over-the-counter medications

Volunteering and Medical Education in Disadvantaged Communities

Projects aimed at improving access to healthcare information and services for vulnerable groups. Examples:

  • Free consultations or medical screening in rural areas
  • Educational health workshops for high school students or at-risk social groups
  • Support programs for patients from disadvantaged backgrounds (homeless individuals, elderly living alone)
  • Awareness campaigns on self-medication and responsible use of antibiotics

 

How to apply?

Application period: February 1 – February 23, 2025

Submit your proposal (maximum 2 pages or a PowerPoint presentation of up to 5 slides) to: relatiipublice@umfcluj.ro

Scholarship Selection Process:

A jury composed of representatives from the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, OSM, and OSF will evaluate the submitted project proposals between February 24 – 28, 2025.

Selection will be based on the following criteria, scored from 1 to 5 (1 = Unsatisfactory, 2 = Slightly Satisfactory, 3 = Moderately Satisfactory, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent):

  1. Degree of innovation of the idea
  2. Relevance to the subject/theme
  3. Feasibility (capabilities and execution potential)
  4. Impact on the medical community
  5. Social impact
  6. Resources required for implementation

The highest-scoring teams will be selected for the scholarships in descending order of their score. In case of equal scores, the degree of innovation and feasibility will determine the final selection.

 

Project Implementation Period: March 1 – June 1, 2025

Project Monitoring & Evaluation:

  • Students must present a monthly progress report to the selection committee.
  • At the end of the program, each student will submit a summary of achievements vs. objectives and a short final description.
  • Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from UMF „Iuliu Hațieganu”, confirming their status as an Innovation Scholar.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a program that recognizes your potential and provides you with the resources to create real change!

 

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