From May 8 to 10, ten researchers from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, visited the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Szeged to take part in the 8th University of Szeged – University of Manitoba Partnership Conference. The partnership between the two universities, established in 2004, centers around biennial conferences that bring together experts from diverse fields to explore a shared topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The University of Szeged and MSD have established a joint Pharmaceutical Industry Partnership Department, marking a new chapter in their collaboration. This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership – further strengthened in 2023 through clinical trial cooperation – and seeks to foster innovation in research, education, and pharmaceutical development. The agreement was officially signed in Szeged by Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged; Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategic Planning; Prof. Dr. Zsolt Szakonyi, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; Sean R. Smith, Managing Director of MSD Pharma Hungary Kft.; and Dr. Szabolcs Barótfi, Director of Clinical Research at MSD Hungary.
On May 9, 2025, the University of Szeged welcomed international high school counselors to its first-ever Counselor Engagement Day, designed to introduce participants to the university’s vibrant multicultural environment and wide-ranging academic programs.
On May 12, the University of Szeged held an official ceremony to inaugurate its new research unit: the Host–Pathogen Interaction Center. Located within the Institute of Biology, the Center features Hungary’s only in vivo experimental station of its kind, alongside five newly renovated laboratories. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the development of antimicrobial therapies, with a particular focus on antifungal treatments – addressing a pressing yet often overlooked public health concern. The project was made possible through both professional and financial support from Katalin Karikó, an SZTE alumna and recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The origins of the University of Szeged date back to May 12, 1581, when István Báthory established the Jesuit College in Cluj-Napoca – an institution recognized as SZTE's legal predecessor. Exactly 444 years later, the University marked this anniversary with a symbolic “birthday gift”: the signing of two strategic partnership agreements. Supported by two of South America’s leading scientific and healthcare institutions, these partnerships are set to position SZTE among the global research elite in emerging and internationally significant fields of healthcare research and education.
Dr. Moritz Gubler, a researcher affiliated with the Bern University of Teacher Education and the University of Bern, spent two weeks in Hungary to exchange experiences with lecturers and researchers at the University of Szeged (SZTE) on the latest approaches in teacher education. During his visit, Dr. Gubler observed various research methodologies – such as eye-tracking – employed by the MTA–SZTE Research Group on Geography Teaching and Learning, which is jointly operated by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) and the University of Szeged. He also gained insight into pedagogical strategies in geography teacher education, with a particular focus on student-centered approaches. The growing emphasis on such methods reflects a broader shift in teacher education toward addressing the challenges of the 21st century – with climate change, for example, already integrated into geography instruction.
At the 200th anniversary General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, two researchers from the University of Szeged were honored with the prestigious Academy of Sciences Award: Prof. Dr. Eszter Farkas, molecular biologist and full professor at both the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine of the Faculty of Science and Informatics; and Dr. Gergely Röst, mathematician and associate professor who heads the Department of Applied and Numerical Mathematics at the Bolyai Institute, Faculty of Science and Informatics.
BYD signed a statement of intent for a future Memorandum of Understanding with six vocational training centers in the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary and the University of Szeged. The signing took place on Tuesday, May 6, marking a key step toward future cooperation in education and workforce development.
A new scientific breakthrough involving researchers at the University of Szeged is the focus of a recent article published in Nature Communications, a prestigious journal in the Nature portfolio. Among the co-authors are Dr. Gábor Czakó, Associate Professor and head of the Theoretical Reaction Dynamics Research Group at the Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, and Dr. Dóra Papp, Assistant Professor and former member of the group. Working in collaboration with researchers from the University of Innsbruck (Austria) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China), the team used computer simulations to demonstrate that quantum tunneling can influence the dynamics of a chemical reaction – particularly when it involves a light hydrogen isotope.
Mathematicians at the University of Szeged have developed a new model based on chaos theory that demonstrates how the evolutionary balancing act between immune evasion and transmissibility can lead to the emergence of novel virus variants with unpredictable properties.
The Hungarian Dental Association hosted a three-day conference titled Perspectives in Perio-Implantology and Comprehensive Dentistry, which brought together international experts. Approximately 800 dentists and dental assistants attended the event’s professional lectures and advanced training sessions. Among the accompanying programs were the presentation of a study on oral health education for the elderly and a discussion of a report on a joint project between the Hungarian and Ugandan dental associations aimed at improving dental care services in Uganda.
Szeged once again hosted the European Geothermal PhD Days conference, marking the event’s return to the city after it was first held there in 2013. Organized by the University of Szeged, the 2025 conference brought together emerging researchers to explore one of the most promising and adaptable sources of green energy today: geothermal energy.
On April 25, 2025, the University of Szeged hosted the highly anticipated International Cultural Event (ICE), an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of its student community. Now a well-established tradition, the event offered a vibrant platform for students from around the world to showcase their cultural heritage through performances and activities, reinforcing the profound impact of cultural exchange in uniting diverse communities.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, along with Eötvös József High School and Kossuth Lajos Elementary School in Szeged, celebrated Chinese Language Day with a colorful professional conference that immersed attendees in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Chinese culture. The event showcased new Chinese-language programs being introduced at the University of Szeged, included presentations on how smart pens can support language learning, and highlighted the biggest challenges students face in the Chinese-language component of their high school graduation exam in Hungary. Adding an authentic touch, the visiting team from Zhejiang University of Agriculture and Forestry treated participants to traditional Chinese tea.
The University of Szeged has announced the establishment of a cutting-edge facility dedicated to the production of radiopharmaceuticals – advanced compounds used in medical imaging and cancer therapy. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 8 in the courtyard of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University’s Albert Szent‑Györgyi Clinical Center. The event was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Chancellor Dr. Judit Fendler, and Prof. Dr. László Pávics, Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine.
Sustainable development, as defined in the context of the United Nations’ climate action framework, can only be achieved through complex, multidisciplinary programs that actively engage society. In response to this global challenge, the University of Szeged, in collaboration with the UI GreenMetric green university network, hosted the 2025 International Student Leaders Meeting on Sustainability (ISLMS 2025).
EUGLOH Connect is an integrated platform developed to strengthen collaboration within the EUGLOH Alliance. It is designed to foster meaningful connections and partnerships among academic and administrative staff, students, and wider stakeholders.
Ride for a Greener Future – Have Breakfast at JATIK!
Students from Senta (Zenta) and Szeged achieved outstanding success at this year’s CanSat satellite-building competition, organized by the European Space Agency in cooperation with the Hungarian Astronautical Society. Rabbit_Aerospace, the team from the Bolyai Talent Development High School and Dormitory in Senta, took first place, securing the grand prize at this highly regarded international event. At the same time, the CANIS team, representing Radnóti Miklós Experimental High School in Szeged, received a special award from Suborbitals, the rocket-building team of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The University of Szeged takes great pride in the fact that both teams were mentored by faculty members from the Institute of Informatics at the Faculty of Science and Informatics: Associate Professor Dr. András Kelemen and Assistant Lecturer Dr. Ádám Kiss.
Researchers at the University of Szeged are taking photoacoustic instrument development to the next level by incorporating metamaterials to enhance system sensitivity. Supported by the HU-RIZONT program, the project brings together prestigious partner institutions, including the University of Glasgow, the National University of Singapore, and Seoul National University. The photoacoustic device under development has a wide range of promising applications: in healthcare, for instance, it could allow doctors to estimate blood loss by analyzing the composition of exhaled breath, while in disaster situations such as earthquakes, the technology could help detect survivors trapped under rubble or identify the presence of gas leaks.
The University of Szeged’s TeWaTi Laser Research Group, led by Dr. Károly Osvay, and the Radiooncology Research Group, headed by Prof. Dr. Katalin Hideghéty, are blazing new trails in the world of science. Working together, they are contributing to the development of a groundbreaking next-generation laser-plasma accelerated free-electron laser, as part of a project connected to the prestigious EuPRAXIA consortium (European Plasma Research Accelerator with Excellence in Applications).
The University of Szeged, in cooperation with the UI GreenMetric university network, is hosting the third International Student Leaders Meeting on Sustainability (ISLMS 2025) from April 10 to 12, 2025.
Now in its 20th year, University Spring, organized by the Cultural Office, continues to mark the arrival of spring in Szeged with a vibrant series of nearly 300 events spanning culture, science, and education between April 10 and May 31.
Looking to make the most of your summer while expanding your academic and cultural horizons? Explore a range of exciting international programs offered in Szeged, Hungary - from cutting-edge summer schools in image processing and global health to immersive Hungarian language and culture courses.
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Following an investment of nearly HUF 300 million, one of the cardiac catheterization laboratories at the Cardiology Center of the Albert Szent‑Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged (SZTE SZAKK), has undergone a major upgrade. Now equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility enables faster and more effective treatment of coronary artery disease than ever before. The newly installed system – the first of its kind to be put into operation in Central and Eastern Europe – is already in use in Szeged, bringing world-class care to the region. The ceremonial commissioning event, held on March 25, was attended by Prof. Dr. László Rovó, rector of SZTE; Dr. Judit Fendler, chancellor of SZTE; Prof. Dr. Tamás Szili‑Török, head of the SZTE SZAKK Cardiology Center; Dr. Zoltán Ruzsa, associate professor and head of the Division of Invasive Cardiology; and Prof. Dr. Csaba Lengyel, president of SZTE SZAKK.
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.
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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.
