Speakers - 2026

Biography

Dr. Barbora Vlková is an associate professor and senior researcher at the Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. With an extensive background in molecular biology and pathophysiology, her research primarily focuses on the role of extracellular nucleic acids in various physiological and pathological states, including pregnancy complications and inflammation. She has spearheaded multiple projects investigating how ecDNA metabolism impacts maternal-fetal health. Dr. Vlková is dedicated to translating basic laboratory findings into meaningful clinical insights to advance modern obstetrics and reproductive medicine.

Research Interests:

• Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in gestation
• Molecular mechanisms of sterile inflammation and parturition
• Biomarker discovery for pregnancy-related complications and preterm birth
• Enzymatic activity of deoxyribonucleases (DNASE1, DNASE1L3, DNASE2)