Between 7-11 March, San Antonio in Texas hosted a prestigious international conference and exposition on laboratory science. One of the presenters was our very own, Dr Václav Trojan from the faculty's Department of Natural Drugs. He showcased his work on Medicinal Cannabis Plants, In Vitro Cultivation and Standardized Production.
The annual Pittcon international conference is one of the largest events in the field of analytical chemistry and laboratory technologies. It is a global B2B event which connects industry, academia and regulatory bodies, forming a critical ecosystem for innovation.
The event features the latest laboratory instrumentation, technical sessions, and educational workshops, serving as a hub for analytical research, scientific networking, and innovation in laboratory technique.
Key figures: approximately 8,000+ attendees, 500+ exhibitors from the industry, 1,200 presentations, hundreds of speakers and short training courses.
The Pittcon conference has a fairly long and interesting history. It was first held in 1950 in Pittsburgh (hence the name “Pittcon”), and will return to its birthplace again next year. For many decades, the conference was held primarily in Pittsburgh, and even though it gradually expanded and began “traveling” across the U.S. (Chicago, Orlando, San Diego, Atlanta, San Antonio…), it has held its name until today, as it stands as one of the world’s most significant events in the fields of analytical chemistry, laboratory technologies, instrumentation, and in recent years, even sections on medical cannabis, narcotic and psychotropic substances. It is still organized by scientific organizations, which is somewhat unique compared to commercial trade shows.
Medicinal Cannabis Plants and In Vitro Cultivation as a Next Step for Standardized Production
Dr Trojan's contribution to the Pittcon 2026 centered his research conducted at the International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital Brno and the Faculty of Medicine MU (ICRC).
"My presentation focused on the next step in standardizing the production of medical cannabis. And I consider in vitro plant cultivation to be precisely that. The lecture and its topic were very well received, as was the overall importance of standardizing the cultivation and production of medical cannabis, which I spoke about last year. In conclusion, I’m truly delighted with the conditions we have in the Czech Republic and at our faculty, and we can definitely be proud of the level and results of our research", concludes Dr Trojan.
Gregor Johann Mendel, the founder of modern genetics and famous abbot from Brno, is best known for his experiments with peas. However, new research reveals a little-known fact: Mendel ordered cannabis seeds and was able to grow them in the monastery’s greenhouse. Jakub Treml, the Vice Dean for External Relations, Strategy, and Development, has published a very interesting article on this topic, which you can now read as well.
The Faculty of Pharmacy Masaryk University successfully hosted a specialized workshop titled “The Use of Isolated Heart Systems for Cardiovascular Research and Testing of New Antiarrhythmic Drugs,” which attracted those interested in modern experimental approaches in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. The course, offered as part of continuing education, provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into the world of ex vivo models and to gain hands-on experience working with an isolated heart system.
