UCT Prague collaborates with Malaysian university on research into psychoactive substances

On Tuesday, April 29, representatives of the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) and Universiti Sains Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding for joint research in the field of natural psychoactive substances.

The collaboration will focus on specific areas, including:

• Research into the neuropharmacology of traditional Malaysian plants, including psychoactive substances such as kratom (Mitragyna speciosa),
• Development and standardization of plant extracts with nootropic and neuroprotective effects,
• Study of neuroplasticity and the cholinergic system in cognitive disorders,
• Exchange of unique biologically active samples and implementation of exchange internships,
• Preparation of joint scientific publications and grant proposals.

The Czech side of the research is led by Associate Professor Martin Kuchař, whose team has long focused on the analysis of psychoactive substances and the search for new treatment options in the fields of addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.

The memorandum marks an important step toward strengthening international scientific cooperation, advancing research on natural compounds, and supporting the exchange of scientific knowledge and researcher and student mobility.