At the 24th National Meeting and Award Ceremony for Environmental Protection, the Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises (HAEE) honored outstanding companies and individuals who are shaping a sustainable future. Dr. András Sápi, a distinguished researcher at the University of Szeged’s Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation, was recognized for his impactful work in the field of environmental sustainability, including his contributions to research, technological advancements, and education.
The University of Szeged was recently invited to the first International Sustainability Leaders Meeting, where a representative from the university participated as a panelist alongside delegates from the world’s leading ‘green’ universities. The event, hosted by Abu Dhabi University in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, brought together prominent figures in the field to explore innovative sustainability initiatives and share best practices.
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.
The Foundation for Szeged hosted its 36th annual awards gala on March 8, 2025, at the Szeged National Theater. This year, the event carried an added sense of prestige with Nobel Laureate and University of Szeged professor Katalin Karikó attending as the guest of honor.
AI-based systems are becoming increasingly widespread, intertwining more deeply with our daily lives. However, a major drawback of current AI solutions is that they rely solely on training data and lack a coherent world model. This limitation restricts their applicability, particularly in critical fields such as healthcare and finance. To address this challenge, researchers at the University of Szeged, in collaboration with two other universities, are conducting research within the framework of the RAItHMA (Reliable AI through Human-Machine Alignment) project, aiming to improve AI systems. We spoke with Dr. Márk Jelasity, head of the Artificial Intelligence Competence Center at the university’s the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (Cluster of Science and Mathematics), about this initiative, which is also supported by a HU-rizont grant.
The University of Szeged has once again demonstrated its academic excellence in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. According to the latest results, published on March 12, 2025, SZTE ranks as Hungary’s leading institution in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences category. It also maintains strong national and international positions across multiple disciplines and has been newly ranked in an additional subject category.
Meet Professor Eszter Farkas, celebrated recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science grant and head of the Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group at the Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM). The professor and her team’s groundbreaking research recently reached a significant milestone, with two of their articles featured on the cover of a prestigious international journal. Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of this esteemed professor, a prominent alumna of the University of Szeged.
A high-level delegation from Uzbekistan visited the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Engineering during the ArchEnerg Metal Cluster event to explore new avenues for cooperation in sustainable energy and technological innovation.
Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges of our time, reshaping not only our environment but also our way of life. To address the most pressing impacts of this global phenomenon, the University of Szeged has launched a new initiative to consolidate its academic expertise in this critical area. Officially established on March 1, the Climate Change Interdisciplinary Research Group unites the University of Szeged’s climate-focused researchers across multiple disciplines. In its first year, the group will prioritize fostering collaborations and coordinating research efforts.
The Axiom Space Ax-4 mission has received the green light, and its crew is preparing to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), with liftoff expected as early as this spring. Commanding the mission is NASA legend Peggy Whitson, joined by Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, Polish mission specialist Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian researcher-astronaut Tibor Kapu, who was chosen for the mission last May through the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program. The Ax-4 crew recently participated in their first official online press conference.
Plastics degrade over time, breaking down into micro- and nanoparticles that are literally everywhere in our environment – contaminating water, soil, air, and, as research now confirms, even the human body. But what impact do these tiny particles have on our health? Do they pose a significant risk, and if so, to what extent? Scientists at the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK) at the University of Szeged are working to answer these pressing questions. In collaboration with researchers from the University of Cambridge and Ulm University, they are investigating the potential health effects of nanoplastics. The project is supported by a HU-RIZONT grant.
Top universities around the world are prioritizing not only academic excellence but also student motivation and well-being, recognizing the importance of preventing burnout. Innovative research at the University of Szeged is paving the way for more effective education, with novel approaches already finding their way into teaching practices in Hungary. These efforts are championed by Dr. Hedvig Kiss, a renowned expert in the field, whose latest study is under review at a prestigious international journal. In this interview, the researcher from the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Szeged’s Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School, sheds light on an increasingly widespread problem that is affecting a growing number of young people.
A state-of-the-art robotic device was used for ear surgery at the University of Szeged, fully leveraging the institution’s advanced surgical facilities. The procedure, performed by the Szeged Hearing Implantation Workgroup, highlights the exceptional expertise and cutting-edge technology available at the Szent-Györgyi Albert Clinical Center’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The department stands at the forefront of developing innovative medical technologies, continuously pushing the boundaries of patient care.
Investigations into land use practices of the ancient Maya, the historical evolution of rivers in the Carpathian Basin, and the authenticity of ancient artworks – these are just a few examples of the research made possible by the advanced geochronology laboratory at the University of Szeged. With its cutting-edge infrastructure, the laboratory enables researchers and students to conduct complex age determination analyses on samples dating back hundreds of thousands of years. Now, this state-of-the-art facility has contributed to a scientific breakthrough: researchers have uncovered geological evidence suggesting that, over the past three centuries, multiple tsunamis may have struck the western coast of the Black Sea. As in previous projects, the laboratory’s sediment analysis and precise age determination techniques provided the crucial clues.
2025 Online Open Day for International Students
The PHOENIX Project, a Horizon 2020 initiative that the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Science and Informatics (SZTE TTIK) is contributing to, has reached yet another milestone, with its outcomes soon to be presented at the European Parliament. The research project explores individuals’ attitudes toward the green transition, the NetZero concept outlined in the new European Green Deal, and the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve the goals set. Dr. Gyula Nagy, project coordinator and senior assistant professor at the Department of Economic and Social Geography within the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences at SZTE TTIK, shared his insights into the research project, highlighting its broader significance.
A research consortium led by Prof. Dr. Attila Gácser, with the University of Szeged, the University of Pennsylvania (USA), and King’s College London (UK) as partners, has been awarded a HU-rizont grant. The project focuses on developing an mRNA-based therapy designed to strengthen mucosal tissue and enhance its defense against the harmful effects of Candida fungi.
Kickstart your academic journey!
Apply for the Fall 2025/26 semester at the University of Szeged and get free Coursera access.
As you progress further with your application, you can reach higher Coursera packages to boost your skills and stay ahead!
The Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged is launching a Beginner Level 2 Chinese course starting on March 3, 2025. Registration for the English-language classes is open until February 24 – don’t miss your chance to sign up!
The Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Pharmacy hosted its seventh International PhD Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences between January 29 and 31, 2025. The three-day event brought together participants from 18 universities across 13 countries, featuring nearly 60 presentations on cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.
As the spring semester kicks off, the University of Szeged is excited to welcome a new wave of international talent. A total of 62 students from 12 countries and 31 cities – representing 35 universities – have arrived in Szeged with the support of the ERASMUS+ Scholarship Program. They will be embarking on an academic adventure across 10 different faculties. To help ease their transition, the university’s Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations hosted an orientation event, offering essential support and resources to ensure these students start their studies in Szeged with confidence.
The National Laser-Initiated Transmutation Laboratory at the University of Szeged, led by physicist Dr. Károly Osvay and supported by his research team, has achieved a groundbreaking global first by demonstrating the feasibility of continuous neutron generation using a low-energy, short-pulse laser. Through meticulous scientific and technical innovation, the laboratory has set a world record, generating 108 neutrons per second. The laboratory’s neutron-generation beamline is now a key component of the ELI ERIC user program, positioning it at the forefront of pioneering research in radiobiology and medical isotope production. To mark the conclusion of the transmutation project’s initial phase, an international conference was held on February 7, 2025, at the ELI ALPS Laser Research Center in Szeged. Ahead of the event, we interviewed Dr. Osvay, who reflected on the groundbreaking five-year journey of laser transmutation research.
The National Laser-Initiated Transmutation Laboratory, established through a collaboration between the University of Szeged and the ELI ALPS Laser Research Center, has achieved internationally recognized outcomes, primarily focusing on nuclear waste management and the application of neutrons generated by laser pulses. These advancements were showcased at the Laboratory’s project closing conference, where Minister for Energy Csaba Lantos praised the project as a strong validation of the importance of funding scientific research. Also at the event, László Bódis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation, announced the launch of the ‘Missions’ initiative, a new government program designed to leverage the achievements of national laboratories.
With its new utility infrastructure and road network project completed in December 2024 through a HUF 9.5 billion state investment, the University of Szeged’s Science Park is set to attract both domestic and international investors. The official unveiling ceremony for the new utilities and roads took place on February 7, featuring speeches by Csaba Lantos, Minister for Energy; Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged; and Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the university.
The University of Szeged is hosting a Counselor Engagement Day on May 9, 2025. Organized by the Office for International Academic Programs, a division of the University’s Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations, the special event aims to promote university engagement with high school counselors. Through this initiative, the University of Szeged seeks to strengthen ties with high schools by fostering collaboration and providing valuable insights into academic programs and resources available to prospective students.
Thinking about studying abroad? The University of Szeged (SZTE) isn’t just a place to earn a top-quality degree – it’s your gateway to personal growth. With its diverse community powered by knowledge and meaningful connections, SZTE delivers an experience like no other, shaping your future every step of the way.
In just six months, the University of Szeged’s Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group has achieved a remarkable feat: having two scientific articles published in the prestigious Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, with both papers featured on the journal’s cover. Prof. Dr. Eszter Farkas, head of the research group based at the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, and the Faculty of Science and Informatics, points out that both studies examine the critical connection between cortical spreading depolarization and key pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke.
On January 28, 2025, the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute hosted a New Year’s Gala to celebrate the transition from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar. The gala featured performances rooted in traditions that were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list in 2024. In fact, this event is closely tied to the traditional Spring Festival, which marks the start of the new year and is the most cherished festivity for Chinese people – a time for family reunions.
Researchers at the University of Szeged have made an unprecedented discovery related to the era of the Hungarian Conquest in the Carpathian Basin by analyzing human remains in a weapon-filled grave and identifying them as belonging to a woman. How did they determine that the excavated bones were female rather than male? Could this woman have fought in battles? To delve deeper into this remarkable revelation, we spoke with Dr. Balázs Tihanyi, a research fellow at the university’s Department of Biological Anthropology and Department of Genetics, and the lead author of the study that brings these findings to light.
The University of Szeged continues to stand among the world’s top institutions in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject. Based on the latest global evaluation, it remains the only university in Hungary to make the list across all subject areas.
A new research initiative, supported by a HU-rizont grant and led by the University of Szeged in collaboration with Kyoto University in Japan and Yale University in the United States, has been launched to develop a framework for rapid and coordinated responses to future pandemics. Under the leadership of Gergely Röst, mathematician at the University of Szeged, researchers will leverage data from Kyoto University to create detailed epidemiological scenarios, while Yale University will analyze these scenarios and draft practical recommendations and protocols. Demonstrating the project’s global impact, Toronto-based researchers are already facilitating collaboration between Canadian epidemic modelers and the Rapid-Grip initiative’s international network. This project establishes the University of Szeged as an increasingly influential contributor to global pandemic preparedness efforts.
Get ready to take your university journey to the next level! As a proud member of the EUGLOH University Alliance, we’re opening the door to life-changing opportunities just for you.
While the construction of BYD’s factory in Szeged is still underway, the company – one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers – has already begun recruiting future employees. In collaboration with BYD, the University of Szeged plays a pivotal role in identifying the right talent, with the company’s HR team joining final exam boards at the Faculty of Engineering to scout for promising candidates.
Discover the benefits of living and learning in the City of Sunshine!
Szeged, Hungary’s third-largest city, is increasingly popular among international students. Situated near the converging borders of Hungary, Romania, and Serbia, it is often called the “City of Sunshine” and widely regarded as one of the most attractive places to study.
The “most fragile molecule” took center stage at the 2024 mRNA Conference in Szeged, one of the year’s most prestigious scientific gatherings. To reflect on the symposium and its impact, we spoke with Ernő Duda, retired professor from the University of Szeged’s Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and senior session chair at the international event. This interview concludes our series, “Highlights from the Szeged mRNA Conference”.
The Nobel Prize, widely regarded as the world’s highest scientific honor, is celebrated in Stockholm with a meticulously organized series of events culminating in the award ceremony. We have compiled 10 fascinating insights into Albert Szent-Györgyi’s time in the Swedish capital 88 years ago and Katalin Karikó’s noteworthy moments during Nobel Week in 2023.
Starting January 1, international students can access the University of Szeged’s application platform to apply for self-financed programs for the Fall Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year.
