As part of an Erasmus+ credit mobility project, a delegation from the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Agriculture visited Algeria between February 15 and 21, 2025, for an official trip. The delegation included Dr. Balázs Duray, associate professor at the Institute of Plant Sciences and Environmental Protection; Magdolna Gera, international coordinator at the Dean’s Office; Dr. Péter Jani, head of the Dean’s Office; Dr. László Makra, professor emeritus at the Institute of Economics and Rural Development; and Dr. Norbert Somogyi, associate professor at the Institute of Plant Sciences and Environmental Protection and head of the Office for International Cooperation within the Directorate for International Relations.
A delegation from the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Agriculture traveled to Algeria, where they conducted visits to three higher education institutions, four research institutes, and two government ministries – the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries.
On the first day, the delegation visited the National Institute for Forestry Research (Institut National de la Recherche Forestière – INRF). After an introduction to the institute, professional discussions laid the groundwork for a potential collaboration focused on agroforestry and shelterbelts, with an added emphasis on adapting to the challenges of climate change. Given the increasing threat of extreme weather events caused by environmental shifts, wildfire risk modeling and forecasting took center stage in the discussions, as this issue continues to be critical in both Hungary and Algeria.
The delegation met with officials of the National Institute for Forestry Research, including Director Mustapha Gachi (center, back row) and Former Director Ouahid Zanndouche (left).
The following day, the delegation visited the Higher National Agronomic School (École Nationale Supérieure d’Agriculture – ENSA). Strengthening ties with ENSA was a top priority, with the visit focused on exploring the institution’s programs and facilities and fostering relationships with faculty leaders and educators.
In a dedicated seminar, Norbert Somogyi presented an overview of the University of Szeged’s academic programs and research activities to faculty members and researchers, while Péter Jani introduced the university’s Faculty of Agriculture. At the same time, Magdolna Gera briefed Algerian students on study opportunities and explained the application process for international applicants.
Representatives of the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Agriculture with faculty members from the Institute of Zoology, with the Mediterranean Sea in the background
On the third day, the delegation first visited Blida 1 University (Université de Blida 1), where they met with the university’s rector and the Economic and Trade Attaché of the Hungarian Embassy in Algeria Ariadné Abigél Kemele-Vandlik. The meeting was also attended by several deans, institute directors, and senior faculty members.
The Algerian representatives highlighted the traditionally strong ties between the two countries, which provide a solid foundation for future collaborations. To build on this relationship, they proposed drafting and signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the universities in the near future. The rector of Blida 1 University also expressed strong support for launching a joint research program that would include student and researcher mobility, the organization of joint seminars and workshops, and the development of new technological innovations.
To conclude the day, the delegation visited the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumédiène – USTHB), accompanied by Dr. Gábor Levente Szarka, ambassador of Hungary to Algeria. USTHB is Algeria’s largest university, with approximately 55,000 students, primarily offering programs in engineering and natural sciences. The Hungarian delegation was welcomed by Professor Djamal Eddine Akretche, the university’s rector, along with the vice-rector for international relations, the chancellor, and most of the deans or vice-deans of the faculties. During the meeting, the rector expressed interest in launching a dual-degree MSc program involving both Algerian and Hungarian students. According to their vision, the program would be conducted partly in Algeria and partly in Hungary.
A part of the campus, with the 2,000-seat auditorium designed by Oscar Niemeyer visible in the background
On the following day, the group visited the National Center for Research and Development in Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) in Tipaza to meet with its representatives. At the meeting, Nabil Bouflih, director general of CNRDPA, stressed the importance of drafting and signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Szeged and the institute he oversees. He also expressed their intent to send researchers to the University of Szeged for professional training, aiming to strengthen their practical expertise in molecular biology, a field in which they plan to expand their research efforts in the near future.
Algae cultivation in the CNRDPA research laboratory
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the National Center for Artificial Insemination and Genetic Improvement (CNIAAG). Director General Benchabane Choukri welcomed the faculty representatives and introduced the deputy director for research, who provided a short presentation on the institution.
On the final day of the official visit, representatives of the Faculty of Agriculture toured the Institute of Applied Research in Field Crops (ITGC), where they had the opportunity to learn about the institute’s main research areas. Discussions focused on the potential for bilateral knowledge transfer and educational collaboration, paving the way for the University of Szeged and ITGC to jointly develop vocational training modules aimed at enhancing the practical skills of young professionals and agricultural students.
On the same day, the delegation, accompanied by the commercial attaché of the Hungarian Embassy in Algeria, visited the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, where they were received for a working meeting by Bendridi Messaoud, secretary of state for agricultural production. During the meeting, the representatives of the Faculty of Agriculture noted that Algerian agricultural research and higher education institutions are emerging as promising prospective partners for the faculty, with the institutional visits revealing numerous shared areas of interest.
As the final part of the day and the conclusion of the Algerian visit, the delegation visited the Technical Institute of Vegetable and Industrial Crops (ITCMI). The two parties agreed to further develop their partnership and explore potential areas for specific professional collaboration.
The delegation at the main entrance of ITCMI
As outlined above, the Faculty of Agriculture’s staff undertook a highly impactful visit to Africa’s largest country, navigating a range of engagements. This endeavor offers a unique opportunity to strengthen and expand long-standing partnerships, particularly within the agricultural sector. Indeed, a key indicator of the visit’s success is the fact that several institutions have put forward concrete proposals for collaboration in research, education, and professional efforts. This progress sets the stage for the successful completion of the ongoing Erasmus+ project, expected to conclude in July 2025, as well as the broader expansion of cooperation with Algeria.
Members of the delegation would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Hungary in Algeria, and especially to Ambassador of Hungary H.E. Dr. Gábor Levente Szarka, First Secretary Krisztina Szabó, and Economic and Trade Attaché Ariadné Abigél Kemele-Vandlik, for their invaluable support in coordinating and facilitating their official visit.
Source: SZTEinfo
Photos: Dr. Péter Jani, Dr. Balázs Duray, Dr. Norbert Somogyi
