- “When and how did you come in contact with the 3D print technology?”

“I became acquainted with the technology during the developmental phase of the 3D Print Project. I had never been exposed to the wealth of technology prior, and was pleasantly enlightened.”

- “Specifically speaking, what is your current field of research, or developmental project at the moment?”

“I am currently pursuing the fundamental research field. My colleagues and I are examining the functioning and regulating of the cytoskeleton, which is composed of proteins, which can form longitudinal fibers in all organisms. In our daily protocols, we principally rely on spectroscopic and microscopic methods. These areas of research are not in direct association to our 3D Print Project at the moment, but I can easily envision the potential in establishing a strong relationship between the two fields.”

- “How did you come to be a part of the 3D Print Project, and, if we may politely inquire, what is your title?”

“I joined the team during the embryonic preparation and development of the project in 2015. This was a period within our university, in which several smaller and larger ideas were in circulation in respect to emerging 3D Print Technology. Additionally, this was a time, when discussing with Rector Mr. Bódis and several Senior Level representatives, the conceptual premise of the project was indeed formed, and the contents of the project quickly evolved. I am currently serving in the role as the Head of the Project.”

- “What likely changes will 3D Print Technology offer the University of Pecs in the near future?”

“Today, 3D Print Technology’s most evident biological appliance is bio printing. The leader of this field in support of the Project is Professor[JM1]  Pongrácz. We also have several commonalities, which may very well one day soon, assimilate to the 3D Print Project within the future. For instance, examining and understanding the differences between those cytoskeletons which can grow in three dimensions from a cell, or the other types which can only develop on a single plane and form one layer. I suppose, it will be necessary, on the basis of biophysical and biological research in the future, to examine this phenomena, specifically, in the way human tissues change upon the effects of the 3D engineered tools (e.g., exoskeletons and prothesises) and what are the alterations compared to the non-effected tissues.”

- “How important do you think interdisciplinary strategies are within the field of research in which 3D Print Technology currently supports? What are the primary advantages of the technology within your field?”

“Every aspect of research is interdisciplinary in today’s science, I can’t consciously expect significant results without the cooperation of the scientists from various fields of research. It is certainly true in the case of natural science, and our project is not an exception. We only can approach and manage certain issues and questions in response to coordinated efforts and versatile knowledge. This is why I am already delighted, considering the initial preparation of the project, including on fewer than five faculties of the University of Pécs, currently intertwined and professionally committed to the success of the 3D Print Project. On the other hand, I am most certain that, as soon as the project launches, more faculties and fields will definitely network and associate among us.”

- “What results do you expect from the 3D Print Project in both the short-term and long-term?”

“Our 3D Print Project’s initiative is to be an exciting, welcoming and efficient think tank with regards to the technical facility and relevant expertise. In the short term, it requires extensive organization and communication, however, we expected this and so, are more than adequately prepared. In addition to this criteria, our ambition is to become an innovative, professional and convenient educational center, promoting the sharing of technology with precision and excellence. In regards to our strategy, preparations have already begun, momentum has picked up and I expect significant results, not only at the primary and secondary educational level, but in consideration of higher graduate and post-graduate education levels, as well.”

- “Please share with us, in what way does 3D Print Technology influence our daily lives, since it is available to everyone[JM2]  and it is quickly becoming commercialized?”

“The latest trends clearly show, largely due to increased, widespread accessibility and excellent quality of today’s computers, 3D Print Technology engineered tools are soon going to appear in our households, without doubt. The technology’ importance is dependent upon, whether we find the certainly useful applications, or the application of the technology remains at today’s exclusive level. I suppose, the first one is going to happen. And, the sky’s the limit, in what direction, and in what fields of application, will 3D Print Technology soon support us. We can only assume the outcome, although I am certain, as progress ensues, as of yet, unseen solutions are going to play an important role.”

- “What can you tell those of us, who have just begun to grow interested in the possibilities of 3D Print Technology?”

“Today, 3D Print techniques are vital utensils in several areas of research and its application are indeed, showing spectacular results. However, it is important to clarify, in which they are nothing more than tools. Acquiring the relevant vocational knowledge is simple. The difficult part is, not the understanding and comprehension of the technical details, but the developmental applications, and, cleverly hashing out new ideas. In this fashion, I suppose, anyone can consider this field without any previous vocational training. Individuals who are genuinely interested and motivated in the exploration of pursuing and formulating exciting and new fields of application, likely will prove successful in the world of 3D Print Technology. Let me put it this way, great movies and TV programs are not created by those individuals who know exactly how a movie projector or a television technically operates. It will be certainly beneficial to join us and share your vision and ideas, since a good movie idea apparently won’t guarantee box-office success, to refer to the example, it requires actors and actresses, a director, an editor and a cinematographer, and a host of additional professional colleagues, teamed together, to take on the immensity of the task.”

Profile

Professor Dr. Mikos Nyitrai, UOP MS Vice-Dean for Science, Head of Department of Biophysics, is a Master of Science, and graduated in 1993, Debrecen; Research Student at Hungarian Academy of Sciences Institute for Nuclear Research 1990-1993; PhD Student of UOP MS, Department of Biophysics, 1994; Research Associate Professor at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1993-1994; Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biophysics, 1997-2000; Associate Professor at the Department of Biophysics, 2000-2006; Research Associate Professor at the University of Kent, Canterbury, 2001-2003; Professor of the University of Kent, 2009.

Professor Nyitrai took over the reins of Senior Leadership of Department of Biophysics following Professor Somogyi’s untimely demise in 2006, and has admirably served in this capacity since. Under his leadership, the Department’s research portfolio has broadened and the current profile of the Department is the examination of protein’s cytoskeletal characterisitcs.