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.
