University of Zagreb, School of Medicine

The Department for Intercellular Communication is part of the Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine. The Department was established within the academic community as a branch of the pharmaceutical industry to foster collaboration between research sectors. In partnership with the School of Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Research Center Zagreb supported the Department by funding facility upgrades, equipment, and staff to promote translational research in drug discovery. The Department team brings extensive experience from the pharmaceutical industry (PLIVA and GSK), with expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and drug development. They also contribute to intellectual property protection and project management in scientific research, applying this knowledge to advance clinical and translational medicine.

The Department focuses on the interaction between microbial communities (microbiota) and their human hosts, with the goal of understanding their role in health and in the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This research underpins the advancement of targeted therapies, diagnostics, and more effective treatment strategies. Since 2014, the Department has led research and innovation projects in human microbiota, particularly in gastroenterology and dermatology, through initiatives such as MINUTEforIBD, PROBITECT, and SKINBIOTIC, with a combined value of nearly €4 million.