Classical philology and the enduring legacy of antiquity brought together scholars from around the world at the University of Szeged for the Sapiens Ubique Civis PhD Student and Young Scholar Conference on Classics and the Reception of Antiquity. Held from September 2 to 4, 2026, the international gathering fostered new research directions and opportunities for collaboration while further strengthening the international ties of the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
September once again brought scholars of the ancient world from across the globe to Szeged, as the University of Szeged hosted the Sapiens Ubique Civis PhD Student and Young Scholar Conference on Classics and the Reception of Antiquity from September 2 to 4, 2026. Organized for the 13th time by the Department of Classical Philology and Neo-Latin Studies, the conference reaffirmed Szeged’s position as an international center for classical studies, creating a vibrant forum for emerging scholars, new research, and cross-border academic exchange.
“The spirit of the conference is captured in its Latin name, Sapiens Ubique Civis. Meaning ‘an educated person is at home anywhere in the world,’ the phrase also serves as the event’s motto. It reflects the idea that a shared European cultural heritage rooted in classical antiquity can help people feel at home wherever they may be,” explained Associate Professor Tamás Jászay, a member of the organizing committee.
The conference’s spirit of shared intellectual belonging goes hand in hand with a strong commitment to the next generation of researchers. Creating opportunities for young scholars lies at the heart of Sapiens Ubique Civis, giving emerging academics the chance to present their work in an international setting and develop it further for publication. Since 2020, studies based on conference presentations have been published, following peer review, in the conference’s own international academic journal, produced jointly with the Eötvös József Collegium of Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest.
The conference also gives young scholars from around the world an opportunity to discover Hungarian classical and Neo-Latin scholarship while getting to know Szeged and its vibrant university community. At the same time, by bringing international researchers to the University of Szeged, the Department of Classical Philology and Neo-Latin Studies helps strengthen the international visibility of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The breadth of classical studies and the reception of antiquity was reflected in this year’s conference program, with presentations grouped into fourteen thematic sections. Topics ranged from the reception and enduring legacy of the classical tradition to ancient history, Roman literature, epigraphy, and late antique literature, while further sessions explored the literature, history, and archaeology of ancient Arcadia, philosophical perspectives, and the intriguing intersections between antiquity and popular culture.
Beyond its wide-ranging academic program, this year’s conference also stood out for its scale and international reach. Nearly fifty presentations and six plenary lectures filled the three-day program. Four of the plenary speakers had previously attended Sapiens Ubique Civis several times as PhD students and returned in 2026 in a new role, this time as invited plenary speakers. Two additional plenary speakers represented the Hungarian academic community.
Altogether, the conference drew participants from 25 higher education institutions in 13 countries. Alongside Hungarian scholars, researchers came to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences from the United States, Austria, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Greece, Israel, Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Türkiye.
Behind that growing international appeal is a conference model designed to give young scholars both academic freedom and meaningful professional support. One of the people who helped shape that model from the beginning was Dr. János Nagyillés, Associate Professor at the Department of Classical Philology and Neo-Latin Studies of the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. As one of the founders of Sapiens Ubique Civis, he was instrumental in creating an event that has distinguished itself from more conventional academic formats from the outset.
“Several features make the conference especially attractive to the scholars who come to Szeged. First, unlike at many academic conferences, participants are not tied to a single overarching theme. They are free to present the research they are currently working on and know best. Another major advantage is the conference’s own peer-reviewed journal, which allows them to develop their presentations into articles and publish them following academic review. This is particularly valuable at a stage in their careers when young researchers are working to build a strong publication record, often within tight professional deadlines. Participants also frequently point to a third strength: the welcoming academic environment. They can present their work to a friendly audience of scholars from a wide range of fields and receive valuable feedback, insightful comments, and thought-provoking questions,” Dr. Nagyillés explained.
Beyond its academic program, Sapiens Ubique Civis also reflected a clear commitment to sustainability in the way the conference itself was organized. Program booklets and handouts were provided exclusively in digital form, while recycled and environmentally friendly materials were used for conference packages and catering. These practical choices complemented the event’s broader outlook, combining a deep engagement with the legacy of the past with an awareness of future responsibilities.
Further information about the 13th Sapiens Ubique Civis Symposium is available at sapiensuc@gmail.com.
The full program of the Sapiens Ubique Civis conference can be found on the conference website.
Source: SZTEinfo
Photo courtesy of SZTE’s Department of Classical Philology and Neo-Latin Studies
