From March 23 to 31, the University of Szeged’s Bartók Béla Faculty of Arts will bring the city to life with the 5th Béla Bartók Art Days, a week-long celebration marking the composer’s birthday. With flash mobs, chamber performances, masterclasses, and full-orchestra concerts, the festival invites audiences on a rich and immersive journey through classical music – both on stage and across the streets of Szeged.
Bringing together leading professionals, researchers, and a wide public audience, the latest Business Fest conference was held on March 12, 2026, at the University of Szeged’s József Attila Study and Information Center. With experts from the University playing an active role in the program, the event explored the rapidly evolving landscape of business, along with the challenges and opportunities shaping its future.
An international consortium led by microbiologist Tamás Papp has secured a HU-rizon grant for a pioneering research project focused on filamentous fungi that infect the human airways and lungs. The collaboration between the University of Szeged, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Hans Knöll Institute in Jena aims to establish the foundations for novel mRNA-based vaccines and therapies.
How can the human body be protected from the intense cosmic radiation encountered in space? And how might insights gained in this regard improve medicine here on Earth? Researchers at the University of Szeged’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (SZTE IKIKK) are investigating these questions as part of the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program.
The 63rd International Session of the Model European Parliament (MEP) officially opened on March 7 in the ceremonial hall of the University of Szeged’s main building. Over the course of the multi-day event, high school students from across Europe take on the roles of Members of the European Parliament, gaining firsthand experience of parliamentary debate, negotiation, and decision-making.
The Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Facility currently under development at the University of Szeged is set to represent a major leap forward for research in materials science, nanotechnology, molecular biology, as well as translational medicine and pharmaceutical sciences. The HUF 4.5 billion investment – financed from the University’s own resources – has now entered its final phase, with all planned equipment already delivered to the facility site.
At its general assembly, the Szeged Regional Committee of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA SZAB) presented its Pro Scientia Lifetime Achievement Award to Academy member Dénes Dudits. The event also reflected on highlights of the Academy’s bicentennial year while laying the groundwork for celebrations marking the Regional Committee’s 65th anniversary. The program highlighted current scientific advances as well: Balázs Papp, a member of the Academy, delivered a lecture titled ‘Evolutionary Genomics Against Superbugs.’ The gathering concluded with the opening of a photo exhibition that brings members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences living and working in Szeged closer to the public, offering a glimpse into the life of the ordinary people behind the extraordinary scientific accomplishments.
Starting in September 2026, the University of Szeged will launch a new Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence, further reinforcing its position at the forefront of AI research and education. Artificial intelligence research in Szeged dates back to the 1950s, and over the decades this strong tradition has helped establish SZTE as a center of internationally recognized excellence in the field. Today, the University operates a comprehensive ecosystem of research, education, and innovation in artificial intelligence – supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, globally competitive research activity, and forward-looking academic programs designed to address the technological and societal challenges of the future.
In 2025, the Career Office of the University of Szeged conducted a comprehensive labor market survey as part of the University’s broader digital development project. The study engaged four key stakeholder groups – student interns, companies hosting interns, graduating students entering the labor market, and the employers who hire them – and was carried out by the office’s own team. The findings provide practical insights that can be directly applied to the university’s operations and future development.
The University of Szeged has taken another important step toward a more sustainable future. As part of the project “Installation and Expansion of Photovoltaic Systems and the Development of Geothermal Energy and Energy-Efficiency Solutions,” solar power systems have been installed at seven additional university buildings, further strengthening the institution’s commitment to renewable energy. The investment – supported by the Ministry of Energy – totaled approximately HUF 232 million, covering both design and construction costs.
Pediatric care in Szeged has entered a new era. On February 24, 2026, the University of Szeged officially inaugurated the fully renovated operating suite and the modernized emergency unit of its Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center. The ceremony, held at the University’s Banga Ilona Health Sciences Training Center, marked a major milestone in advancing pediatric healthcare across the region.
Festive traditions and career opportunities took center stage on February 19, 2026, at the SZTE József Attila Study and Information Center. The SPRING FESTIVAL – BYD Career & Chinese Culture event paired the celebration of the Chinese New Year with a dynamic career day hosted by BYD. Jointly organized by BYD, the University of Szeged’s Career Office, and the Confucius Institute, the program attracted strong interest from students. Throughout the day, students engaged directly with representatives from BYD’s various divisions, gaining firsthand insight into career paths and industry expectations. Alongside the career-focused highlights, participants also explored Chinese traditions through interactive activities and vibrant stage performances – creating a rich experience that blended academic, professional, and intercultural perspectives.
2026. February 27.
10 perc
What if the essential ingredients of life-saving medicines could be produced with dramatically less waste and far lower energy use – without compromising speed, safety, or efficiency? This innovation-driven mission fuels the work of Dr. György Orsy, senior assistant professor at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry within the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Pharmacy. Together with his team, he has made major strides in the sustainable production of indole derivatives using continuous-flow green chemistry technology. In recognition of its innovation potential, the project received Proof of Concept (PoC) funding at the University of Szeged’s 13th Innovation Day in 2025. We spoke with Dr. Orsy about the science behind the breakthrough – and how it could help shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
2026. February 27.
6 perc
Dr. András Sápi, chemist and associate professor at the Department of Applied and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Szeged, received the SZTE Innovation Award for Outstanding Utilization on November 17, 2025, at the University’s Innovation Day. He was recognized for developing the ‘catalytic brick,’ an innovation that has moved beyond the laboratory to deliver tangible industrial applications while contributing to cleaner air and more sustainable technologies.
2026. February 26.
3 perc
Antimicrobial resistance is one of today’s most pressing global health threats – demanding coordinated action across disciplines and borders. With nearly HUF 96 million in support from Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, provided by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the Institute of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Pharmacy has participated in a major international research collaboration to address this challenge. As part of the project “Exploring antibiotic stewardship interventions within a One Health context” (Project ID: 2019-2.1.7-ERA-NET-2022-00056), SZTE researchers examined how effectively the One Health framework – which links human, animal, and environmental health – is being implemented to curb antimicrobial resistance.
2026. February 23.
4 perc
An innovative development from the University of Szeged has gained international recognition: mozaMedical, a software platform created through collaboration between the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies and Mozaik Kiadó Kft., has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Bett EdTech exhibition in London – one of the world’s leading events in educational technology.
2026. February 23.
3 perc
In June 2026, the University of Szeged will host the European First Year Experience (EFYE) Conference – a leading international forum dedicated to redefining the first-year student experience in higher education. While the event brings together internationally recognized researchers, educators, and higher education professionals, it places students at the heart of its mission – with the conference program developed in partnership with them, shaped by their lived experiences, and guided by their insights.
2026. February 18.
2 perc
Start your academic journey feeling prepared!
Apply for Fall 2026/27 admission to the University of Szeged and get complimentary access to Coursera. As you move through the application process, you will gain access to Coursera packages at progressively higher levels, carefully curated to support your academic and professional development.
2026. February 17.
6 perc
With the start of the new semester, the Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations hosted an Orientation Day in the ceremonial hall of the University’s main building to welcome Erasmus+ scholarship students embarking on their studies at the University of Szeged. In the spring term of the 2025–2026 academic year, 85 international students are joining SZTE through the Erasmus+ mobility program, further strengthening the University’s vibrant and diverse academic community.
2026. February 16.
3 perc
A newly established collaboration between the University of Szeged (SZTE) and Shandong Agricultural University (SDAU) marks the beginning of a new phase in academic exchange for SZTE. As part of the partnership, Boyu Sun and Yuemeng Shang, first-year MSc students at SDAU’s College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, will spend the spring semester at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Agriculture in the city of Hódmezővásárhely, continuing their studies there until May 6, 2026.
2026. February 13.
15 perc
A previously unknown snail species dating back 99 million years has been identified with the involvement of researchers from the University of Szeged. The fossil specimens, preserved in amber, were examined using high-resolution micro-CT imaging by Dr. Ákos Kukovecz, head of the Institute of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Informatics, and Dr. Imre Szenti, researcher at the Department of Applied and Environmental Chemistry. The University’s unique instrument made it possible to create detailed three-dimensional models, confirming that the specimens represent a species previously unknown to science. We spoke with the Szeged-based researchers about the discovery and the technology that brought this ancient life form back into focus.
2026. February 13.
2 perc
The Holtzer–Horváth–Lindberg Foundation invites university students to participate in the photo competition “Synagogues Past and Present.” The call seeks submissions that creatively document the historical and contemporary life of synagogues. Entries are accepted until May 4, 2026.
2026. February 13.
4 perc
The four-year research and development project Materials Science and Photonics has been successfully completed at the University of Szeged within the framework of Hungary’s 2021 Thematic Excellence Program. Supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund with a total budget of nearly HUF 1.2 billion, the initiative has delivered results that not only shape Hungary’s scientific landscape but also contribute directly to national defense, environmental protection, and next-generation technological development.
2026. February 13.
2 perc
The SPRING FESTIVAL – BYD Career & Chinese Culture event, to be held on February 19, 2026, at the University of Szeged’s József Attila Study and Information Centre (TIK), will highlight international career opportunities, provide exclusive insights into BYD, and showcase the vibrant traditions of Chinese culture. Jointly organized by BYD, the SZTE Career Office, and the SZTE Confucius Institute, the program aims to offer a unique blend of professional networking and cultural celebration.
2026. February 11.
7 perc
Combining hands-on clinical experience with innovation, Pál Pásztor and his research team are applying machine-learning methods to make the process of weaning children off long-term sedation in pediatric intensive care safer, more personalized, and more predictable. Their DoseLearn project has received SZTE’s Innovation Award as well as Proof of Concept funding from the University.
2026. February 10.
11 perc
The University of Szeged leverages artificial intelligence to enhance academic programs and optimize student pathways. Preparing students for a rapidly changing labor market is a core mission of the University of Szeged. With this objective in mind, SZTE equips learners with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills by integrating modern, digitally driven approaches into its educational practices. A cornerstone of this effort is the university’s comprehensive digital transformation project implemented under the RRF-2.1.2-21 initiative, funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Launched in July 2022, the project is scheduled to conclude in April 2026.
2026. February 09.
7 perc
Bringing the fall semester of the 2025/26 academic year to a formal close, the University of Szeged conferred doctoral and habilitation titles at a ceremony held at the József Attila Study and Information Center. In total, 10 candidates received habilitation titles, while 112 researchers were awarded PhD degrees, marking an important milestone in their academic careers.
2026. February 09.
7 perc
Now a fifth-year medical student at the University of Szeged, Gréta Hódi spent the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year in Cyprus as a Pannonia Scholarship holder – a period defined for her by discovery and new perspectives that extend far beyond academic training. Active on social media, she felt a strong urge to share with others what the program had given her. This inspiration led her to apply for the title Face of the Pannonia Scholarship Program, which she was awarded in 2026, together with Dominik Palácsik, a student of the Budapest University of Economics and Business.
2026. February 05.
5 perc
Can artificial intelligence assist judicial decision-making in criminal cases? Researchers at the University of Szeged are seeking answers through a project that explores how AI can support judges in their work. The project, which has received the SZTE Innovation Award, has a long-term objective of developing an algorithm-based decision-support system designed to enhance the transparency, consistency, and fairness of sentencing practices in criminal courts.
2026. February 05.
22 perc
Fifteen years ago, Gergely Röst, a mathematician at the University of Szeged, and his doctoral student essentially built Hungary’s entire epidemiological modelling capacity from the ground up. As a result, today, Hungarian public-health decision-makers are far better prepared to face the emergence of a new pandemic. This progress is reflected in the successful completion of the National Laboratory for Health Security project, which – across its four divisions – delivered cutting-edge modelling expertise, data-driven complex diagnostic tools, pathogen monitoring, and pandemic-forecasting systems, while also establishing an integrated network of research groups spanning multiple scientific disciplines and remaining on constant standby.
There are few things more uplifting on a cold winter evening than settling down with a good read. The latest issue of SZEM (Szeged University Magazine) invites readers to immerse themselves in a curated selection of inspiring stories that highlight the excellence of the University of Szeged. From innovative achievements to the driving force shaping the future – the wonder of science – these narratives come together in a single, freshly released publication, now ready to be explored.
By tracking the behavior of microscopic organisms with an ultrasensitive, AI-based testing system, biologist Dr. Zsolt Datki and his research team at the University of Szeged are uncovering subtle physiological effects that were previously difficult to detect. The novel approach opens the door to diverse real-world applications – from identifying promising mineral water sources to developments in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as environmental protection. The research was recognized at the University of Szeged Innovation Day, where the biologist received Proof of Concept grant funding and an Innovation Award.
The University of Szeged has moved up nine places in the QS World University Rankings: Europe, one of the world’s most widely recognized and respected higher education rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Assessed against more institutions than ever before, SZTE has also secured a place among the Top 10 universities in Eastern Europe.
The 2026 Open Day of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Szeged, held on January 24, attracted strong interest from prospective students and their parents. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the faculty’s wide range of academic programs and modern infrastructure at two locations.
The latest authoritative assessment of global weather conditions has been released. At the University of Szeged, the 2025 climate report published by Berkeley Earth was reviewed by Tamás Gál, Head of the University’s Department of Atmospheric and Geospatial Data Sciences, providing expert insight into one of the warmest years ever measured.
Researchers from the NanoPlastHub research group of the Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK) at the University of Szeged (SZTE) presented their latest findings on addressing microplastic and nanoplastic pollution at a scientific workshop held in Szeged. The event marked the completion of the initiative’s first year of operation and demonstrated that NanoPlastHub has rapidly developed into a dynamic, productive, and nationally significant research community.
The University of Szeged (SZTE) continues to strengthen its international standing, once again ranking among the world’s leading universities in the latest subject rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE). According to the most recent assessment, SZTE is the only Hungarian institution to appear on all 11 THE subject excellence lists this year. As part of this strong overall performance, the University achieved a shared first place nationally in Law, underscoring the competitiveness and academic impact of its legal education and research.
A major international research initiative has delivered a significant advance in the prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes. The study investigated the impact of tirzepatide – a medication widely used in diabetes care – on reducing cardiovascular risk. Among Central and Eastern European institutions, the University of Szeged was the only university to contribute to the publication of these findings. In the following article, Professor Tamás Várkonyi, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center of the University of Szeged, offers expert insight into the study’s significance and clinical implications.
From February 2026, students at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (SZTE BTK) will have access to free, in-person psychological counseling through the Faculty’s new Psychological Counseling Service. The service provides up to five individual sessions per student, available in both Hungarian and English and delivered by qualified and experienced professionals. With registration taking place via email, the initiative is designed to provide timely professional support to students.
Imagine a shower gel that truly works for your skin: instead of drying or irritating it, the product is backed by science and supported by research findings to protect, nourish, and hydrate dry skin – delivering genuine evidence-based skincare. This innovative approach earned Proof of Concept (PoC) funding at the University of Szeged’s 13th Innovation Day in 2025 for Dr. Anita Kovács and members of her research team, Dr. Szilvia Berkó and Dr. Mária Budai-Szűcs. Their project focuses on developing the formulation of a SMART moisturizing shower gel and examining its dermatological effects and stability. We spoke with Dr. Anita Kovács, associate professor, about the project.
Research led by Professor Tamás Martinek, Head of the Institute of Medical Chemistry at the University of Szeged, may bring a breakthrough in the treatment of diseases long considered incurable. In recognition of its outstanding scientific and innovation potential, the project received the SZTE Innovation Award in the Utilization of Intellectual Property category at the University’s 13th Innovation Day, held in November 2025.
In 2025, the Miskolczy Dezső Award of the University of Szeged’s Department of Neurology was presented to Prof. Dr. Márta Széll, Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Genetics, in recognition of the exemplary collaboration between the Department of Neurology and the Department of Medical Genetics, spanning more than a decade. The award ceremony took place during the 22nd Congress of the Hungarian Society of Clinical Neurogenetics, held in Budapest.
The University of Szeged will mark the January 17 birthday of Katalin Karikó with a festive program featuring a quiz, a presentation, and an exhibition, honoring the Nobel Prize-winning researcher as a professor at the University, the founder of the JATE Award, and a former student of József Attila University (JATE), the institution’s predecessor.
With the support of the University of Szeged, American Corner Szeged, the City of Szeged, and the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, the Szeged Symphony Orchestra gave a special New Year’s concert on January 5, 2026. The concert opened with remarks by Caroline Savage, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, who also paid an official visit to the University of Szeged the following day.
2026. January 09.
13 perc
A once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity, an inspiring research environment, and active engagement with more than 400 students interested in science – these are what defined the past four months for Brian Dingmann, Professor at University of Minnesota Crookston, who spent the autumn semester at the University of Szeged as a Fulbright Visiting Professor. During his stay in Szeged, Professor Dingmann conducted joint research with Zsolt Datki, Head of the Micro In Vivo Biomolecule Research Group at the University’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK). Alongside his university teaching activities, he also delivered science-focused sessions at several secondary schools in Szeged and the region, in cooperation with the American Corner Szeged. Ahead of his return to the United States on December 11, we spoke with Professor Dingmann, together with Dr. Datki, as part of a conversation touching on intriguing research and memorable personal experiences.
2026. January 05.
23 perc
In December 2025, László Krasznahorkai, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature and a former student of József Attila University, a legal predecessor of the University of Szeged, was celebrated by the University with a week-long series of events marking his Nobel recognition. Members of the university community were invited to rediscover the author’s works, while audiences gathered at the József Attila Study and Information Center to follow the live broadcast of the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony on December 10. Against this backdrop, we explore Krasznahorkai’s intellectual journey – from his hometown of Gyula in Hungary to Stockholm, the global stage of the Nobel Prize ceremony.
On January 5, 2026, marking the 72nd birthday of László Krasznahorkai – recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Kossuth Prize, and the József Attila Prize – the University of Szeged celebrated its alumnus with a quiz-style Q&A game, offered engaging insights into the author’s work and the Nobel Prize itself, while also promoting reading and encouraging literary curiosity more broadly.
