The FC Barcelona handball team will be in Cologne for the Final Four of the TruckScout24 EHF for the seventh season in a row despite a 30-29 defeat against OTP Bank Pick Szeged at the Palau in the second leg of their quarter final play off The 27-24 win in Hungary last week was enough to send Carlos Ortega's team through to the semi-finals much to the delight of the more than 4,000 fans in the Palau Blaugrana Barça are the last side to book their place in the last four with Füchse Berlin The competition will take place in the Laxness Arena on 14/15 June with the blaugranes looking for their 13th victory in the competition and their fourth in the last five seasons Coach Carlos Ortega has taken his side to the Final Four in each of his four seasons in charge despite Barça getting off to a great start to lead 5-2 after 6 minutes Szeged came back to move ahead at 9-8 but Barça than took advantage of exclusions for Kalarash and Mackovsek to move into a 16-14 lead at half time In the second half Pick Szeged did not thrown in the towel and took the lead again at 24-23 with 42 minutes gone Saves from keeper Vincent Gérard saw the score stay at 25-25 with 10 minutes to go The Hungarians moved ahead at 28-26 and threatened to turn around their deficit on goal difference with just four minutes remaining Barça withstood the pressure as Makuc cut the difference to 29-28 with 90 seconds remaining Sostaric's goal for Szeged gave them a 30-29 win but it was not enough to prevent Barça booking their ticket for Cologne and the Final Four to defend their European title Ariño -starting seven- Vincent Gérard (gk) Protecting our natural resources is not just about saving the planet said former Hungarian President János Áder on Monday Speaking at the opening of Hungary’s 10th Sustainability Theme Week at the University of Szeged Áder stressed the vital role of soil in sustaining life on Earth now chair of the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation explaining how soil’s ecosystem services are indispensable He pointed to a sharp rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past two centuries noting that current emissions far exceed what natural absorbers—like soil—can handle He emphasized two strategies for addressing this imbalance: reducing emissions through more efficient energy use and renewable sources and increasing the planet’s capacity to absorb CO₂ Áder praised the achievements of Szeged-based startup eChemicles Ltd which has developed a technology that converts CO₂ into carbon monoxide using renewable electricity This innovation could significantly reduce environmental harm caused by the traditional production of carbon monoxide from fossil fuels where Janáky explained their electrolysis technology their system has scaled from 8 square centimetres of active cell surface to 0.25 square metres and now includes 18 interconnected cells in a semi-industrial unit The modular setup can be tailored to industry needs A commercial product is already in development—especially for sectors like microelectronics and pharmaceuticals that require on-site carbon monoxide targeting hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement and steel Electricity prices are key to the tech’s viability Janáky noted that in places like Saudi Arabia where solar energy is auctioned as low as 0.015 euro/kWh this method of CO production is already competitive Public records show eChemicles has 34 employees and is co-owned by Janáky and the Blue Planet Climate Venture Fund Áder also called for reforming traditional farming techniques warning that conventional tillage is degrading Europe’s soil—60–70 per cent of which is now in poor condition Hungarian Conservative is a quarterly magazine on contemporary political philosophical and cultural issues from a conservative perspective After Füchse Berlin, HBC Nantes and SC Magdeburg qualified for the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2025 on 14–15 June the defending and record champions were the last team to clinch their berth in Cologne having a three-goal cushion from the reverse fixture Barça will learn their semi-final opponents on Friday 2 May, at 14:00 CEST, as the draw takes place in Vienna Barça (ESP) vs OTP Bank - PICK Szeged (HUN) 29:30 (16:14)Barça win 56:54 on aggregate Lucky Barça’s record 21st semi-final appearance No team has won the EHF Champions League trophy as many times made it to the EHF FINAL4 in Cologne as many times nor won more Champions League matches: By beating PICK Szeged on aggregate as they will play their 21st Champions League semi-final on 14 June in LANXESS arena The 11-time champions won 15 of 20 previous semis But they were extremely lucky not to lose the chance in the final minutes on Thursday night.  the road to Cologne was much steeper than expected for coach Carlos Ortega’s team as they were in both group matches between the sides — 31:30 for Barça in Spain; 26:26 in Szeged Barça turned an 18:21 deficit into a 27:24 victory losing their first home match after eight consecutive home wins in the Machineseeker EHF Champions League — but managed the aggregate win to book their TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 ticket.  You said no to using cookies or similar tools that help improve your experience. To see this content, you would need to update your Privacy Preferences DRAW: Recent champions meet and potential first-time winners clash in hotly-anticipated semi-finals after TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 semi-final… DRAW: The four sides who made it through the qualification tournaments now know who they will face in Cologne a single goal separated the 2023 title winners and Veszprém QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW: 2018 finalists end Sporting CP’s Machineseeker EHF Champions League journey with second quarter-final win QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW: After a nine-goal win in the first leg HANDBALL THROUGH MY EYES: Versatile One Veszprém back Nedim Remili reveals why he loves handball OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Court of Handball issues further decision regarding withdrawal of Vipers from EHF Champions League Barça and Nates enter the reverse fixtures of the quarter-finals as winners NEWS: Györi Audi ETO KC will meet Team Esbjerg and Metz Handball will play against Odense Håndbold on 31 May in the MVM Dome in Budapest Many of the sport’s greatest athletes will be in action, with honour and an early season confidence boost on the line. Read on to find out more about the athletes to watch, schedule of events, and how to watch the 2024 ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup Szeged. 🥇","event":null,"destination_url":"","entry_point_tag":"base","entry_point_type":"instory_campaign"}" data-tracking="click" href="https://www.olympics.com/en/sign-in?entry_point_type=instory_campaign&entry_point_tag=base&template=base&origin=https%3A%2F%2Folympics.com%2Fen%2Folympic-channel" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Olympic Membership - Free Live Stream Sports & Original Series - join now The New Zealand paddling legend was recently named to her fourth Olympic team she spoke to the media about the pressure she feels carrying the hopes and expectations of an entire nation “It doesn’t help having won multiple medals before it is making sure I don’t limit myself from what is possible.” She certainly won’t limit herself at Paris 2024 taking on the challenge of competing in all three of the women’s kayak events The first stop of the 2024 ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup will hopefully provide her with some insight into what it takes to triumph in all three events Picture by Phil Walter/Getty Images for NZOC 2024Lisa Carrington (New Zealand) training before a Paris 2024 canoe cprint women team selection announcement The American paddler stormed to victory in the debut outing of the women’s C1 200m at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. However, she landed off the podium in fourth place at last year’s world championships. While the result was enough to secure a quota place for Paris 2024, Harrison will look to make an early season statement in Szeged. With selection to the U.S. canoe sprint team now secured, she can turn her focus towards reigning supreme in the shortest event on the canoe sprint program at Paris 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nevin Harrison (@nevinharrison) It will be an important test for the 37 year-old veteran who is attempting to make her fifth straight Olympic team Kozák has won a medal at every edition of the Olympic Games she has attended so it’s never safe to count her out of podium contention who are expected to perform well at one of the best venues in the world One of two Hungarian paddlers to win a solo gold medal at Tokyo 2020 Kopasz will start the season with high hopes and immense pressure The 1.8m (six foot) German once ruled over the men’s C1 1000m he has struggled to find the top step of the podium in recent years ExclusiveHighlightsMen's C1 1000m Final - Canoe Sprint | London 2012 HighlightsGermany's Sebastian Brendel held off a late surge from Spain's David Cal Figueroa to claim gold in the men's canoe C1 1000m at Eton Dorney Viewers will be required to pay a monthly subscription fee to access live streams of the competition When you think of Szeged, Hungary, images of sunny days and stunning architecture might come to mind. But there’s more to this city than these charms – Szeged is one of the best university towns in Europe, with the University of Szeged (SZTE) at the centre of it all As an internationally recognised public research institution, the possibilities are seemingly endless here. SZTE is where you can craft the future you’ve always dreamt of. Students benefit from advanced research facilities, free access to Coursera, and over 80 degree programmes spanning from agriculture to health Or suppose you’re interested in business, like Khalima Lebusova, an MSc International Economy and Business student, and Dr. Timothy Yaw Acheampong, an alumnus of the Doctoral School in Economics. In that case, you can join the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Acheampong (right) has experienced firsthand the Faculty’s dedication to excellence and innovation The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is a highly-ranked training institution for economists It has helped over 10,000 students embark on careers not just in Hungary but across the globe All graduates have one thing in common: a strong foundation in theory and practice. This is because the faculty offers English-taught programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels where students learn core economic concepts and continue to build on that foundation as they progress And if you’re ready to make an even bigger impact you could even join the faculty as a lecturer or researcher after completing your PhD you will learn from dedicated lecturers who genuinely care for your growth Lebusova knows this well – she spent her undergraduate years here and stayed on for her MSc she’s seen how lecturers always put students first using pop culture to make concepts easier to understand,” says Lebusova “I also appreciate that they bring real-world industry practices Partnerships with companies and civil society organisations reinforce the faculty’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates you can network with industry experts who contribute to the curriculum’s continuous improvement through field trips and guest lectures International opportunities are available as well. Acheampong first joined the Faculty of Economics and Business in 2018 as a PhD student with support from the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship He made the most of his time at the faculty growing both professionally and personally short-term and semester-long mobility opportunities and summer schools where you can meet students from the European Union,” he says Other scholarship options include the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People, the Hungarian DIASPORA Scholarship, and more who’s interning at the International Office Students can volunteer to mentor first-year students and help them settle into university life While there are plenty of reasons why international students choose to study at SZTE one that stands out is its welcoming and supportive community nearly 5,000 of whom are from over 130 countries You might expect to feel lost in the crowd student-centred environment where everyone feels at home I felt at ease thanks to my mentor,” says Lebusova “I was startled that they can even help you find an apartment to rent if you ask them which helped me get to know my peers better.” highlighting the International and Study offices where staff go above and beyond for students of all backgrounds you have someone to guide and support you with everything from information about visa processes and how to adjust to life in Hungary.” there are many activities to meet new people and create memories Hungarian language and cultural immersion courses and volunteering options with the school and local civic societies This holistic approach to putting students first whether it’s through dedicated lecturers or a whole range of support services is a key reason why many students decide to stay on after graduating – like Lebusova and Acheampong did “I was encouraged every step of the way and faculty were always ready with helpful advice,” says Lebusova Follow the University of Szeged on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube The play-offs of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League concluded this Thursday as Paris Saint-Germain Handball were eliminated by OTP Bank – Pick Szeged delivered a fantastic comeback in Paris to progress to the quarter-finals SC Magdeburg and HBC Nantes also made it to the next phase After conceding a 30:31 loss in the first leg OTP Bank – Pick Szeged were buoyed by Borut Mackovsek’s buzzer-beater in the first match which saw the Hungarian side cut the gap to one goal heading full of confidence in the second leg against PSG whose dream of winning their maiden title in the European premium competition went out in flames the All-Star right wing of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship while Sebastian Frimmel and Bence Banhidi added four goals each 45 goals were scored in the first half of the second leg of the tie between Füchse Berlin and Industria Kielce after conceding a six-goal loss in the first match Kielce led by four goals with seven minutes to go in the second leg but an ill-fated decision to play seven-on-six from coach Talant Dujshebaev backfired enabling the German side to use a 5:0 run to take the lead Lasse Andersson scored 13 goals for Füchse the 2023 and 2024 IHF Male Player of the Year took control and finished the match with 12 goals out of 13 shots to enable Füchse Berlin to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2011/12 season SC Magdeburg did not sweat against Romanian champions Dinamo Bucuresti which will be facing the reigning champions of the IHF Men’s Club World Championship to clinch their spot in the quarter-finals Omar Ingi Magnusson was Magdeburg’s top scorer The last play-offs tie between Orlen Wisla Plock and HBC Nantes was a true roller-coaster fueled by six goals from Algerian right back Ayoub Abdi and five goals from experienced wing Valero Rivera lifted the French side to a 54:52 aggregate win Machineseeker EHF Champions League – quarter-finals By continuing to browse ihf.info, you agree to our terms of use , privacy policy and the use of cookies. For more information, please review our cookie policy Fourteen people have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking in Szeged a spokesperson for the Csongrád-Csanád County Chief Prosecutor’s office informed the Hungarian state news agency MTI on Friday The spokesperson also shared that of the 14 suspects seven were selling illegal substances as part of an organized crime group Some of the suspects are facing additional charges as well the leader of the criminal group had been selling drugs to a wide range of consumers in Szeged since 2018 he controlled and coordinated the activities of six other associates involved in the trade The members of the group took a number of precautions to conceal their activities so that their consumers could place their orders using a predefined code system The traffickers would then package the various types of drugs ordered in bags of French fries or hamburger boxes and deliver them disguised as food delivery men The guilt of the perpetrators will be decided by the Szeged District Court some of whom are facing sentences up to life imprisonment The local police reported the arrest of several members of the group back in February 2023 when investigators seized more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of drugs In addition to traditional drugs such as marijuana the police also found various resin and oil-like substances which are other end products of cannabis processing Title holders Barça earned an important away win against OTP Bank - PICK Szeged in the opening leg of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2024/25 Quarter-finals thanks to an outstanding second-half performance backed by an impressive Tobias Thulin in goal but they could not hold their forces for the whole 60 minutes and from being down by three celebrated a 27:24 win OTP Bank - PICK Szeged (HUN) vs Barça (ESP) 24:27 (10:9) no matter the first-half struggles and no matter the stats Although this was not their best performance of the season and they have recently had two rare defeats in the Spanish league — the first time since the 2009/10 season — they showed they are a star-studded machine in the second half Just six days after securing their 32nd league title Barça arrived in Szeged ready to fight for their seventh straight EHF FINAL4 appearance and will leave Hungary with the upper hand ahead of the rematch in Spain next week and leaving Barça trailing by one at the break whose six saves in the second half proved the cornerstone for the turnaround while Frade and Mem powered ahead in the attack With sharper ball movement and better shot selection Barça turned the half-time deficit into a commanding three-goal lead reminding everyone they are the reigning champions Szeged will now have to pull an even better performance if they are to surprise in Palau Blaugrana and take the aggregate win QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW: A 30:29 victory for Szeged was not enough to book their first ticket to Cologne The Botanical Garden of the University of Szeged (SZTE) is inviting visitors to explore its vibrant collection of tropical orchids through thematic guided tours on Saturday home to a diverse array of species and hybrids offering a spectacular display of exotic flowers known for their striking beauty and unique biology thrive in the temperate climate of the garden’s greenhouses during the autumn and winter months The SZTE Botanical Garden’s collection features over 250 individual plants from nearly 50 genera including both botanical species and hybrids This February nearly 100 orchid plants are flowering simultaneously creating a breathtaking sight for visitors Those interested in learning more about these fascinating plants can join the guided tours The tours provide an in-depth look at the garden’s orchid collection are one of the largest and most diverse plant families with an estimated 30,000 naturally occurring species and around 150,000 hybrid varieties Found on every continent except deserts and glaciers these plants exhibit remarkable adaptability The tropical orchids at the SZTE Botanical Garden primarily include epiphytic species as well as terrestrial varieties like the strikingly exotic Paphiopedilums For those unable to attend the thematic tours the orchid collection will be open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm starting in March when the garden plans to open its tropical butterfly house the orchid collection will be accessible continuously offering visitors a chance to enjoy these floral wonders throughout the year The Botanical Garden’s orchid exhibition not only highlight the beauty and diversity of these plants but also provide an educational experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike Whether one is a seasoned botanist or simply appreciates the allure of exotic blooms the garden’s orchid displays are not to be missed The University of Szeged (SZTE) is setting a national benchmark for innovative medical practices According to a statement from the university’s public relations department its focus on interventional oncology is revolutionizing how cancer is managed in Hungary a specialized branch of interventional radiology is a relatively young discipline that leverages advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound and MRI to perform minimally invasive procedures While these techniques are widely used abroad their application in Hungary remains limited This procedure employs electrical impulses to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments offering a less invasive option for patients Dean of SZTE’s Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School György Lázár emphasized that interventional radiology is becoming increasingly prominent in global oncology SZTE is committed to expanding the development and application of interventional oncology which Lázár describes as a cornerstone of future cancer care ‘It is essential to integrate these methods into medical education in Szeged,’ Lázár stated He also highlighted the scarcity of skilled professionals in Hungary capable of performing these advanced procedures By aiming to become a national hub for interventional oncology This mission is supported by SZTE alumnus Béla Kis now head of the specialized interventional radiology department at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa contributing to the training of Szeged’s medical professionals and facilitating telemedicine consultations His involvement strengthens SZTE’s national and international reputation Head of the Oncotherapy Clinic at SZTE Judit Oláh stressed that modern cancer care goes beyond prolonging survival The focus is increasingly on improving patients’ quality of life maintaining independence and self-sufficiency is more important than merely extending life expectancy,’ Oláh noted SZTE aims to involve patients and their families more closely in treatment decisions tailoring care to individual goals and risks By prioritizing gentler treatments with fewer side effects SZTE is committed to enhancing the quality of life for patients during their cancer journey As Szeged University continues to push the boundaries of interventional oncology it serves as a model for integrating innovative medical practices with patient-centred care SZTE is poised to lead Hungary into a new era of cancer care Huge victory for Barça in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals (24-27) they turned around a complicated match under Carlos Ortega’s leadership Despite Thulin’s 10 saves and Sostaric’s 8 goals showed their best form in the final minutes to secure the win The second leg will be at the Palau Blaugrana next Thursday at 8.45pm CEST with Barça holding a three-goal advantage in this head-to-head battle to reach the Final Four in Cologne with quick counterattacks and Sostaric’s precision (5 goals) including two penalties against Aleix Gómez Dika Mem was the only Barça player to consistently find the net (5 goals) and Szeged led by a single goal at halftime benefiting from Janc’s early exclusion and more successful attacks to go three clear Despite further exclusions of Frade and Dika Mem Barça held firm and responded with calm and patience Szeged regained a three-goal lead in the 45th minute Dika Mem and Carlsbogard playing key roles to turn the score around extended the lead to seal the 23-27 victory this first battle was a major win for Barça This article was first published in Hungarian on the website of our sister publication Magyar Krónika a large-scale interactive exhibition was opened at the Study and Information Centre of the University of Szeged (SZTE) which presents the lives and achievements of Nobel laureates Albert Szent-Györgyi and Katalin Karikó The exhibition also focuses on the rich history of the university tracing its origins back to the Kolozsvár (today Cluj-Napoca Transylvania) Catholic University founded in 1581 with special emphasis on its relocation to Szeged in 1921 At the exhibition’s opening Chairman of the board of trustees of the Foundation for the University of Szeged Gábor Szabó praised the scientific significance of Katalin Karikó and emphasized that her work is unique among Nobel laureates He expressed his belief that Karikó’s discovery of mRNA technology will become part of secondary school curricula in the future and that the results of her research will benefit humanity A dedicated section of the exhibition is devoted to Albert Szent-Györgyi who won the Nobel Prize in 1937 for his discovery of Vitamin C Visitors can view a replica of his Nobel Prize Those interested can also learn about his work through an interactive web course The largest part of the exhibition is dedicated to the life of Katalin Karikó offering a detailed account of her scientific career The exhibition displays memorabilia from Karikó’s childhood and the key milestones of her university years Twenty of her more than one hundred scientific honours are on display and her scientific work is presented in a virtual exhibition available in four languages Short films in Hungarian and English about her research on mRNA technology are also part of the exhibition the 2023 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine announced during her visit to Szeged that she would donate a replica of her Nobel Prize to SZTE and establish the JATE Prize (its name refers to József Attila University the former name of the University of Szeged) with the monetary award she had received to support young scientists Thousands of visitors have already viewed the exhibition on her life since it opened in April The exhibition not only showcases the achievements of the Nobel laureates but also aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science An interactive game designed specifically for secondary school students to promote scientific thinking is also part of the exhibition A very emboldening draw for the Barça handball team away to Hungarian side Pick Szeged (29-29) the blaugranes managed to make do without their missing players scoring two goals in the final minute for a deserved draw in the EHF Champions League The trip to Hungary had no potential bearing on qualification for the blaugranes as they were already through to the quarterfinals a tough match was expected due to many injured players missing and the Hungarian side having something still to play for The pre-match prediction was right and although the blaugranes started slowly it was the total opposite for the home side but their intensity saw them go 5-2 up in a sign of things to come in the first half led by Champions League top scorer Sostaric but two and three goals without reply respectively either side of half-time tied up the game (17-17) The blaugrana fightback set things up nicely for the rest of the game and Pick Szeged scored two before a superb double save by Nielsen from seven metres prevented a third Then a red card for Bánhidi on Blaz Janc allowed Barça to score two through Frade to go ahead in the game for the first time (20-21) but Carlsbogard took on the attacking mantle with two goals and an assist to level the scores again (24-24) Barça had a couple of minutes of jeopardy when debutant Oriol Sanfelipe was sent off for two minutes before each side was nip and tuck in terms of the scoring Only a minute and a half left and it looked an impossible task before an unlikely scorer in Thiagus Petrus made it 29-29 at the close Bánhidi (3) and Sostaric (7) - starting seven - Thulin (0) Frade (5) and Ortega (3) - starting seven - Saric (-) Referees: Igor Covallciuc and Alexei Covalciuc 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 the 2025 conference brought together emerging researchers to explore one of the most promising and adaptable sources of green energy today: geothermal energy The 2025 European Geothermal PhD Days conference opened on a harmonious note with a musical welcome by a trio from the Universitas Symphony Orchestra Led by Szeged-based geology professor Tivadar M the ensemble treated participants to a special performance that set the tone for the days ahead This uplifting start ushered in a program filled with talks on cutting-edge PhD research highlighting the vast potential of geothermal energy as a crucial resource for the future A key figure in bringing the conference back to Hungary was Dr assistant professor at the University of Szeged’s Department of Geology who served as chair of the organizing committee for the 16th European Geothermal PhD Days János Szanyi gave interviews to several media outlets about the 2025 European Geothermal PhD Days “All participants are currently studying at European universities and Kenya – countries where geothermal energy is widely utilized the largest number of participants actually came from Italy these PhD students will become the leading researchers of tomorrow and the conference offers a valuable opportunity for them to connect before moving on to careers in industry or advanced academic research one of this year’s speakers first attended the event years ago as a student Early connections like these often grow into long-term collaborations that help shape the field The geothermal sector itself is a prime example of how even the largest countries in Europe – including Italy and France – depend on close cooperation between research and industry to achieve lasting progress now sources nearly 100 percent of its energy from renewables with geothermal energy playing a key role,” said Dr One of the conference’s keynote speakers was Professor Inga Moeck from the University of Göttingen who also serves as the director of the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics in Hannover “My field of expertise – and the main focus of my research – is the development of a geothermal information system in Germany including lesser-known but crucial details and presenting them through a publicly accessible website we support the planning of geothermal industry projects by using this data to recommend optimal drilling locations This kind of knowledge-sharing is already in progress in Germany it should be extended across all of Europe,” said Professor Moeck Hungary itself plays a prominent role in the geothermal sector a fact reflected in the strong presence of Hungarian experts within the field’s most influential international organizations Among them is Professor László Rybach from the University of Zurich who has been active in geothermal research since 1975 and previously served as president of the International Geothermal Association he emphasized how much the field has evolved over the past decades – and how it continues to offer significant opportunities for research and innovation Hungarian experts continue to hold influential positions in key international organizations underscoring the country’s ongoing commitment to the geothermal sector a Transylvanian-born specialist who currently serves as president of the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) “The EGEC is involved in several European programs primarily to share knowledge with its members and to promote the use of geothermal energy at the European level Research is essential to geothermal development – only through research can we reach the point where geothermal energy is produced economically But it’s not just about funding; we also need a large number of well-trained professionals many of whom are writing their dissertations on geothermal topics have the potential to drive major advancements and introduce ideas of great value to the industry.” a recent PhD graduate from the University of Szeged’s Institute of Geosciences came to Hungary from Kenya to pursue research on geothermal energy Her work focuses on micro-scale laboratory analysis of physical clogging processes related to geothermal reinjection in the Pannonian Basin Speaking about the importance of responsible resource management “Many people assume that geothermal energy is inherently renewable – but in reality it only remains renewable if we actively manage it That means reinjecting the thermal water back underground so it can be reheated This is an energy source we receive from Mother Nature but we can’t use it indefinitely unless we give something back That’s why my PhD research focuses not on extraction but on how we can return the used fluids to the subsurface successfully Reinjection is the key to ensuring that the same geothermal well can continue to provide energy for future generations.” The conference also capitalized on its location in a geothermal hotspot by offering participants hands-on experiences Attendees visited Szeged’s district heating provider and observed an active drilling operation where the construction of the final well in the city’s nine-site geothermal system is currently being completed They also traveled to the city of Szentes to explore successful examples of geothermal energy use in agriculture The event was made possible through the support of the National Research Development and Innovation Office’s Mecenatúra grant program as well as contributions from organizations active in the field of geothermal energy Original Hungarian article by Ferenc Lévai The feature photo shows participants of the conference the Nobel portrait plaque representing Katalin Karikó's Nobel Prize is on permanent display in the dedicated exhibition hall of the József Attila Study and Information Centre of SZTE The Nobel Prize-winning professor of the University of Szeged announced at the welcoming ceremony on April 16 2024 that she would donate the authentic replica of her 24-carat gold-plated Nobel medal to the university Katalin Karikó's research journey to the Nobel Prize is presented in an exhibition at the Klebelsberg Library of the University of Szeged an authentic 24-carat gold-plated replica of the Nobel medal was placed in its place half an hour after Katalin Karikó announced that she would donate her Nobel Prize plaque and more than half a million dollars that came with the prize to the University of Szeged President of the Foundation for the University of Szeged Nobel Prize-winning research professor of the University of Szeged - Our acquaintance goes back to a rather intense period in our lives when we were both students at the university Kati herself was very active in student life The university years are a very intense period in one's life but they provide a good basis for those who are trying to imagine the road ahead which is what this exhibition is all about - Kati's book is like a time machine for me as I can recall exactly the same memories she writes about at the beginning first there was the change of regime and then many other things; you only have to compare the university of that time with the university of today the number of students at JATE was smaller than it is today in some of the larger faculties of SZTE What was once a small university with a family atmosphere has now become the university we all see here the library of which was voted as one of the 50 most remarkable university libraries in the world by students the changes in the outside world have led many people to deviate more or less from the path they had previously imagined Katalin Karikó is special in this respect as well she knew what she wanted to do from the very beginning of her years at the Szeged Biological Research Centre She felt from the start that she could help people with the technology she was working on These two ideas led her down a path that many people would have abandoned in search of something else," said the former two-time rector of the university has led to a Nobel Prize that is now visible to the whole world But I firmly believe that the results that Kati has achieved which are now being tested in clinical trials around the world will have an impact far greater than today Kati is not only one of the Nobel Prize winners but within 10-15 years she will be the subject of what she has achieved will be so important to humankind you can follow the extraordinary journey that Kati has taken in this exhibition I would like to thank her once again for her generous donation to the University of Szeged and also for the fact that I do not have to call her Professor Karikó Katalin Karikó looked around the TIK auditorium and addressed the young first: "I am one of you because I haven't won any youth prizes lately," she smiled at the resulting cheerfulness but I started my studies just like you here at the university and I can honestly say that I wasn't that good So if you think you're not good enough yet you are probably right; but remember that this is a process I hope that the medal that we have placed here and perhaps the reward announced from the amount of the Nobel Prize will also encourage you to be the best student and - I am also addressing the teachers now - the best teacher who will receive a prize from it Katalin Karikó then placed the Nobel Prize plaque in the glass cabinet in the middle of the exhibition hall The exhibition that Ilona Újszászi presented in 2023 as a travelling exhibition in several cities can also be seen in the vicinity of the famous prize Her collaborator was photojournalist István Sahin-Tóth who has been photographing the events of Katalin Karikó since 2021 The exhibition entitled Katalin Karikó's Journey to the Nobel Prize and Beyond will feature documents from the collection of the SZTE Klebelsberg Library The Móra Ferenc Museum also contributed to the concept of the exhibition through Csilla Szatmári The exhibition is open during the opening hours of the József Attila Study and Information Centre of SZTE During the confinement period, you can access PSG TV Premium for free and enjoy all this season's match videos. 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Try our FAQ The Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2024/25 Play-offs are over and the first round of the knockout phase finished with a bang After losing by one at home in the first leg Szeged turned everything around in the French capital city on Thursday night to secure their presence in the competition’s quarter-finals for the first time since the 2018/19 season While PSG had managed to win in Hungary in the reverse leg on Thursday they only could keep up their opponents’ rhythm for the first 20 minutes powered by Mario Sostaric and their goalkeeper Roland Mikler the visitors broke away to take a maximum advantage of 12 goals with five minutes left to play Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) vs OTP Bank - PICK Szeged (HUN) 25:35 (11:17)OTP Bank - PICK Szeged win 65:56 on aggregate The teams were only separated by one goal at the end of the first leg and you could see exactly why in the first 20 minutes of the game with two defenders on the back of line player Syprzak not leaving much space for Paris to find solutions While the hosts managed to keep up with their opponents for 19 minutes the last 11 minutes of the first half were a nightmare for PSG Szeged conceded only two goals in that time frame With Sostaric on scoring duties and Mikler making some important saves When the Croatian right wing netted his fifth goal 10 seconds before the buzzer Szeged were up by six and virtually in the quarter-finals Things did not get better for PSG after the break Despite trying every tactical option possible the hosts never managed to close the gap to less than six goals the experienced goalkeeper led his teammates in the right direction Szeged took a maximum advantage of 12 goals at the 54th minute it was clear that the Hungarian side were returning to the quarter-finals Szeged booked their first ticket for this stage of the competition since 2019 STATS COUNTER: Julian Rux analyses the data to provide statistical insights for the Match of the Week Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker After a resounding return to action against Ivry (28-41) last Friday our Parisians are preparing to fly to Hungary for a match that is crucial to the second half of the season and a club that is determined to write a new page in its history A few months after their visit to Veszprém our Parisians continue their Hungarian adventures on Thursday a thousand-year-old city with a history as eventful as it is fascinating Hungary's fourth-largest city shares many traits with Paris: unfailing resilience a rich cultural heritage and a distinctive architectural style then ravaged by floods that left only 300 of the city's 6,000 homes standing at the end of the 19th century Szeged had to show patience and courage to rebuild itself via the impressive New Synagogue - the fourth largest such building in the world - Szeged shines far beyond the borders of Hungary so many adjectives that apply as much to the city as to its handball club: Pick Szeged the club is one of the pioneers of handball in Hungary Szeged reached a major milestone with the arrival of Juan Carlos Pastor in 2013 The Spanish coach propelled the Blues to the forefront of the European scene beating Montpellier to lift the EHF Cup in his very first season Szeged has established itself as a mainstay of the EHF Champions League the club even temporarily took the lead over Veszprém with three championship titles between 2018 and 2022 after ten years of loyal service - and is now shining at the head of the Egyptian national team - Szeged are struggling to maintain their level the team now led by Swedish coach Michael Apelgren continues its fight on all fronts In pursuit of their first qualification for the EHF Champions League Final4, Szeged started their European campaign at full speed. The Hungarians achieved a series of prestigious victories against Magdeburg (31-29), Nantes (33-32), Zagreb (30-35) These results suggested that they would qualify directly for the quarter-finals but the dynamic has completely reversed since December Mario Sostaric and his team-mates have now gone five matches without success in Europe forcing them to go through the play-offs - a stage they have not had to contest since 2019 Szeged remain a tough opponent with an experienced squad fifteen of whom have already crossed paths with the Parisians While some did so playing for Szeged (Roland Mikler others were wearing a different jersey at the time Among them are two former NHL players: Jérémy Toto (Nantes) and Imanol Garcianda (Aix) Une publication partagée par OTP Bank - PICK Szeged Handball (@pickhandball) Szeged is thus taking advantage of its status in the shadow of the giant Veszprém to make its way at its own pace. Nevertheless, they are still a team capable of striking hard, as demonstrated by the dogged draw secured against Barcelona a few weeks ago (29-29) The Parisians have been warned: a pillar of Hungarian handball highly motivated and buoyed by an electric Pick Aréna The Barça handball team have been draw against OTP Bank - Pick Szeged in the quarter finals of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League The Hungarians knocked out PSG in the previous round overcoming a 10 goal deficit in the second leg Barça passed directly to the quarter finals and will have home advantage in the second leg The first game will be played on 23/24 April in Szeged with the return leg at the Palau Blaugrana on 30 April or 1 May The EHF will announce the precise dates of the matches shortly The two teams have already met this season in the group stage of the competition Barça won 31-30 in the Palau and then played out a 29-29 draw in Hungary Pick Szeged finished fifth in Group B and knocked out fourth placed team from Group A PSG 65-56 on aggregate in the last 16 is an increasingly popular choice for international students one of the most attractive university cities in Hungary Szeged is famous for its multicultural environment we’ll be exploring why studying in Szeged is an excellent choice for international students The city has a warm climate and is known for its cultural diversity since Szeged has the biggest number of sunny hours per year in Hungary Szeged and its surroundings are also wonderful destinations for outdoor activities The University of Szeged is one of the best and most prestigious universities in Hungary. It is top-ranked internationally - ranking at 225 in Europe according to QS World University Rankings 2023 - with a wide range of courses and programs The university has courses in several disciplines SZTE also offers a range of English-language courses making it an excellent choice for international students The University of Szeged also has a range of exchange programs that allow students to study in different countries This is a great opportunity to gain international experience and broaden your horizons and low cost of living compared to other European cities with universities of this scale There is a wide range of accommodation options from student dorms to room and apartment rentals University students can search for rentals in dedicated Facebook groups or ask for help from their Faculty and bars that are very popular among university students making it an ideal place to socialize with friends Another attractive characteristic is that most university buildings are in the downtown area Szeged has many bike routes and one of the largest numbers of bike users in Hungary compared to other major cities in the country The city also has excellent public transport Szeged is also well connected to Budapest - and the International Airport too - making it easy to reach the rest of Europe The University of Szeged offers a range of scholarships for international students and the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) These scholarships can cover tuition fees and living expenses The university also offers a range of grants and fellowships for students from certain countries For detailed information about scholarships, visit this website of the University of Szeged The University of Szeged offers a range of support services for international students The SZTE website has plenty of information concerning applications students can get information and support from the dedicated international office of the university and also directly from their Faculties organized by the SZTE Directorate for International Affairs and Public Relations The different units of the university also offer a range of programs throughout the year which can help international students make friends and settle into the city Source: Szegedify the first independent English-language magazine in Szeged It is privately owned and funded by the owners The Novo Nordisk Foundation supports the mRNA conference in Szeged Journalists curious about the details of the November 2024 event and the latest scientific findings about the messenger molecule that offers extraordinary possibilities had the opportunity to ask questions who joined the press conference online on September 12 mRNA has become a promising tool in medical technology The molecule transports information from DNA to the protein synthesis factory in our cells and tells them what to produce The improvements made by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman who also built on the results of other scientists improved the performance of the "messenger RNA" by incorporating a new building block with the collaboration of several researchers including Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci clinical trials had demonstrated that nanoparticles containing modified mRNA packaged in lipids are an effective vaccine against a range of viral diseases This technology became the basis for modern vaccines against Covid-19 which have saved millions of lives and helped control the pandemic of the novel coronavirus Developers of mRNA technology have been recognized worldwide with numerous individual and joint scientific awards. The co-winners of the Novo Nordisk Prize 2022, the research foursome Kariko - Weissman - Şahin - Türeci, have received, in addition to the prize money, funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation the world's richest corporate philanthropic foundation unique in Hungary and of outstanding importance in Central and Eastern Europe will be hosted by the University of Szeged on November 7-8 It is a great honor for SZTE and the Hungarian research community that Katalin Karikó her Nobel Laureate American research colleague Drew Weissman to give a lecture on the occasion of the international meeting They will be joined by 13 other leading mRNA researchers from the UK The speakers will present the latest advances in the field The conference will be attended by Martin Ridderstråle Senior Vice President of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Chairman of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Prize Committee The website for the mRNA conference in Szeged is now live and registration is open 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 Participants will have the chance to engage directly with internationally recognized researchers across various areas of image processing and computer vision while also connecting with fellow students from around the world Join us in person (a limited number of accommodations are available) or online, and enjoy a diverse program featuring lecturers from multiple continents! Find more information here Applications are accepted from all over the world Summer University – Hungarian Language and Culture The Hungarian Language and Culture intensive summer program offers language instruction at various levels You may also apply for a bilateral state scholarship, which covers all expenses related to the summer university. If you're interested, you can find more details here Applicants are welcome from all over the world EUGLOH – European University Alliance for Global Health At the heart of EUGLOH lies a shared commitment to creating innovative learning experiences that not only expand students’ and staff members’ knowledge and skills but also foster cross-cultural understanding through exposure to diverse perspectives The Alliance offers a wide range of summer schools tailored to learners at all stages—ranging from the bachelor’s students of the EUGLOH partners to staff of the EUGLOH members seeking professional development Find additional information here Cupola at Art Nouveau style building at Dugonics Square in Szeged, Hungary | Photo by Milana Jovanov on Unsplash Szeged is home to some beautiful outdoor spaces and its squares are often buzzing with students locals and visitors enjoying the stunning architecture and chilled out atmosphere Many argue that Dóm tér is the city’s most beautiful square surrounded as it is by iconic buildings such as the Votive Church and Dömötör Tower (the oldest building in Szeged) the square also plays host to the Szeged Open-Air Festival which is a theatrical and operatic extravaganza Other squares of note in the city include the vast Széchenyi tér a popular park which often features events and festivals; and Dugonics tér which has a musical fountain and is well loved by students thanks to its proximity to the city’s main university building Since opening its doors in 1989, Szeged’s zoo has gone on to become the largest in Hungary covering 106 acres and housing over 200 different species Large enclosures are climate controlled and kept as natural as possible providing a great environment in which to visit and learn more about the animals who live in the zoo – including a number of endangered species feeding shows and a petting zoo are just some of the activities to be enjoyed here the zoo also operates a rescue centre at which injured orphaned or illegally smuggled animals are treated and cared for Jewish Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn designed this stunning Art Nouveau Synagogue in 1903; construction was completed in 1907 and the synagogue opened its doors to the city’s Jewish community that very year it is the second largest synagogue in Hungary and the fourth largest in the world The work of Hungarian glass artist Miksa Róth adorns the great dome as well as the synagogue’s stained glass windows and the building is known for its intricate beauty Running from Széchenyi tér to Dugonics tér a walk down this charming pedestrianised street reveals an abundance of cafés A bustling thoroughfare of social activity the street is lined with beautifully renovated colorful buildings and is the perfect place for a spot of people watching over a coffee Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Visit the Botanical Garden The foundations of Szeged’s botanical garden were first laid in 1922 with plants collected by the University’s founding director István Gyorffy while in 1931 the garden got its first lake the 24 acre oasis is an important centre for environmental education and conservation – both for the university and those who visit A diverse collection of flora and fauna await in celebration of the Indian Lotus coming into bloom Since it was built in 1904, Szeged’s water tower has been serving the city and continues to do so to this day It is the oldest reinforced concrete water tower in Hungary to still be in operation the tower is open on a limited number of days throughout the year and if you’re lucky enough to be in the city for the occasion A climb to the top of the water tower reveals beautiful views over Szeged while there are also exhibitions inside for those who want to learn more about its history The tower is open on the first Saturday of the month Temporary exhibitions have featured works from artists such as Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy and Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely complaints of drought and famine in Szeged led the authorities to lay blame at the feet of suspected witches in order to pacify the population The result was the largest witch hunt in Hungary’s history and a round of public executions with between 12 – 14 people burnt at the stake on the Boszorkánysziget peninsula of the Tisza river (also known as the Island of Witches) Today the island is a popular place to take a walk or bike ride Votive Church of Szeged, Hungary | Photo by Szabolcs Mészáros on Unsplash a great flood wiped away many of Szeged’s buildings the city vowed to create a Catholic Cathedral and in 1913 construction of the Votive Church of Szeged began A winning design was selected from 35 entries and the church stands on the grounds of what used to be the medieval St Demeter Church whose Dömötör Tower can still be seen today The interior of the cathedral is open to visitors and its tower can be climbed for stunning panoramic views over Szeged Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd The Machineseeker EHF Champions League was back at the Palau on Thursday and was always going to be a fascinating test for Barça against one of the continent's most in-form sides For although the Catalans started strongly the visitors worked their way back into the game and very nearly made off with the win The downside was an injury to captain Dika Mem who will be unavailable for the next few games Making the most of two visiting exclusions and logic suggested that that was game over But Szeged miraculously got back into contention The entry of goalkeeper Mikler and the injury to Dika Mem were factors that explain an extraordinary 3-11 streak the kind of thing Barça are very unused to enduring that meant they came dangerously close to losing a game that looked done and dusted Late goals from Aleix Gómez and Ortega made sure that didn't happen in this peculiar encounter which was eventually settled by just a single goal the University of Szeged hosted the highly anticipated International Cultural Event (ICE) an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of its student community 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 Dean of the Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School also took the stage to highlight the value of cultural exchange This evening is a special event – an opportunity to learn more about the national characteristics and cultures of all students The future and the strength of the human race lie in diversity and culture is the greatest power that binds us this night is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about each other.” Vice President of Student Affairs of the International Student Union of Szeged expressed the significance of ICE in uniting the student community but a tradition that defines us as students of the University of Szeged which not only embraces diversity but provides a platform to express our cultures with pride The evening was marked by a compelling array of performances that highlighted the cultural richness of the students A total of 14 performances captivated the audience attendees were invited to sample national dishes from each of the represented countries offering a culinary journey that perfectly complemented the evening’s cultural showcase leaving participants with unforgettable memories of joy The 2025 International Cultural Event in Szeged was yet another resounding success demonstrating the power of culture to bring people together and celebrate what makes each of us unique This growing tradition continues to foster a strong sense of belonging and connection among the university’s diverse student community The Budapest Times ‘I don’t want to create any false illusions but our city will definitely see a large number of workers from China and Asia,’ Mayor László Botka told the news portal index.hu former socialist local politician referred to the unusually low unemployment rate of 1.3% in the city and the announced need for 10,000 employees in and around the assembly plant for electric cars that is being built the city relies on its vocational training centres 30-40% of whose trainees commute to Szeged from the surrounding area Vocational training in neighbouring Hódmezővásárhely and Makó is also to be integrated more intensively as is the potential of the University of Szeged the southern Hungarian metropolis is ideal for workers from Vojvodina the Hungarian-populated part of northern Serbia Experts also told index.hu that BYD has the potential to poach workers from the Mercedes plant in Kecskemét who are unsettled by the ongoing economic and sales crisis in Germany You must be logged in to post a comment PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE 2007 - 2025 BZT MEDIA Kft. Design: GoOG Webdevelopment: diVid Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login At the end of a particularly hard-fought encounter Paris Saint-Germain Handball won by a whisker at the Pick Aréna in Szeged to take a step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals (30-31) We take a look back at this EHF Champions League play-off first leg the business end of the tournament began in Hungary for our Les Rouge et Bleu the capital club had earned home-court advantage against Szeged (the return leg will be played at Coubertin) Raul Gonzalez's men were hoping to strike a major blow Still in search of their first victory on the continental stage in 2025 the Hungarian teamwere hoping to regain confidence in a boisterous Pick Aréna Faced with a crowd largely in favour of the home side Les Rouge et Bleu were quickly put to the test Jannick Green showing the way with a fine save against a Hungarian attack still finding their range (3': 0-1) Meanwhile the capital club's offensive sector took some time to get going Ferran and Wallem were denied by the home defence but our Spanish winger quickly hit his straps and allowed Paris to regain the lead (9': 2-3) the Parisian leaders stepped up a gear and picked up the pace While Luc Steins led the attacks like a conductor Kamil Syprzak and Elo' took care of the finishing Yahia Omar was quick to bring his dazzling technique to bear mystifying Tobias Thulin with a splendid spin shot (15': 6-7) Szeged took advantage of being a man up to buck the trend But there was no need for Raul Gonzalez to panic as he called on his bench to remedy the situation took advantage of a perfect pass from Luc to level the score (19': 9-9) Jacob Holm added his name to the list of scorers and put Paris back in front (21': 10-11) The two teams went blow for blow as they approached the break but the capital club took advantage of a Szeged send-off to pick up the pace and make the first break of the match (27': 12-14) despite two time-outs called by Raul Gonzalez in the final seconds of the first half in an attempt to maintina the two-goal lead our Rouge et Bleu went into the dressing room with a narrow one-goal advantage (30': 13-14) 30' : C'est la pause à Szeged, avec un avantage de +1 pour les 🔴🔵 ! #SZEPSG pic.twitter.com/9Kbf1nCBaM both teams set a frantic pace as the high stakes wound the tension wire tight the referees sanctioned the excessive tackling on both sides with three two-minute suspensions - two for Les Rouge et Bleu and one for Szeged This made the start of the second period particularly disjointed but the capital club showed the focus required to stay in the match (38': 17-17) Yahia Omar in particular made the difference at this crucial moment the Egyptian brought his total to six goals on the night (43': 20-20) Paris also proved up to the task in defence Following a time-out called by Michael Apelgren the Swedish goalkeeper had completely changed the complexion of the match Pale silenced the Pick Aréna with a sensational save to deny Mario Sostaric - and then won his duels against Lazar Kukic and Richard Bodo in quick succession This allowed Paris to move three goals ahead - their biggest lead of the match so far (47': 20-23) Michael Apelgren's men then rained down attacks on the Parisian goal in an attempt to make up the deficit but Kamil Syprzak showed no mercy at the other end the Polish pivot helped his team to a four-goal lead (52': 24-28) Taking advantage of every space in the Rouge et Bleu rearguard the home side came back to within one goal (57': 28-29) Raul Gonzalez then called the last time-out of the match The tactical adjustments of the Spanish coach once again proved decisive and Paris held on to clinch a hugely important success in Hungary (60th: 30-31) Victoire Parisienne en Hongrie ! 👏Victoire parisienne en Hongrie ! , nos 🔴🔵 s'imposent d'une longueur face à Szeged et prennent une option avant le match retour à Coubertin jeudi prochain ! #SZEPSG pic.twitter.com/DL0zGKZJva Ahead of the decisive return leg next Thursday in the return match at Coubertin, the Parisians will play host to Créteil in another league derby on Sunday. A week after their big win in Ivry (28-41) the Parisians will try to keep up the pace at the top of the league table Your tickets for Paris - Créteil !  After a fierce battle lasting more than six months the group stage of the EHF Champions League reached its conclusion on Thursday After finishing fourth in a particularly tight group Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn to face Szeged in the play-offs Les Rouge et Bleu will travel to Hungary for the first leg on 26 or 27 March while the return leg will take place at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin on 2 or 3 April Having played the last match of the EHF Champions League group stage's final matchday the capital club thus spared itself any suspense in terms of knowing who their future Champions League opponents would be Les Rouge et Bleu will have to overcome Szeged may have some regrets at the end of the group stage The Hungarians also thought for a long time that they could clinch second place which would qualify them for the quarter-finals Fighting for the top spots with Barcelona during the first part of the season the Hungarians notably recorded several prestigious victories Szeged have collapsed brutally in the New Year with a record of three defeats and one draw that saw them dip to fifth place in Group B Une publication partagée par EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) afford to dwell on the final position and current form of the Hungarians as they have in their ranks none other than Europe's top scorer Mario Sostaric has been in rumbustious form and will undoubtedly be expected to deliver during these play-offs Szeged and Paris have crossed swords on numerous occasions in recent years Les Rouge et Bleu have a rather positive record of seven wins Enough to give them a psychological advantage but one thing is for sure: Raul Gonzalez's men will need the support of the Coubertin faithful in the return leg of this EHF Champions League play-off which will take place in the Parisian arena on 2 or 3 April 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 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 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 Building on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic it is now possible to better prepare for future global pandemics caused by unknown pathogens By integrating findings from research groups worldwide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary methodology can be developed to facilitate rapid and effective responses to emerging threats the University of Szeged’s Rapid-Grip project – funded by a HU-rizont grant – aims to establish such a framework head of the epidemic modeling research group at the Bolyai Institute within the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Science and Informatics the project is set to launch in early 2025 in collaboration with researchers from Kyoto University and Yale University Gergely Röst considers the Rapid-Grip initiative to be the epidemiological counterpart to CEPI 2.0’s 100-day vaccine mission with current advancements in science and technology a safe and effective vaccine against a newly emerging virus can be developed within 100 days Rapid-Grip operates on the premise that by the time such a vaccine is ready an internationally coordinated strategy for its deployment must already be in place The project is structured around three seamlessly integrated phases: The Rapid-Grip program’s epidemic response process “When a pathogen with potential risks is detected the first step is to analyze the available data and estimate the epidemiological parameters,” explains Dr “This is followed by epidemiological modeling during which another research group typically performs calculations the modeling results must be applied in practice – this involves preparing specific recommendations and public health programs based on the models.” “Scientists at Kyoto University bring significant experience to the first phase while the University of Szeged will take the lead in the modeling work Researchers from Hungary’s National Laboratory for Health Security who gained extensive expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic Yale University – one of the world’s most renowned centers for epidemiological research – will compile the epidemiological protocols and the recommendations required for implementing measures.” mathematician and leader of the Rapid-Grip HU-rizont consortium Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney we are developing a platform that will allow the three research teams to collaborate in real-time and the formulation of practical recommendations can be carried out as swiftly as possible,” says Dr He also emphasizes that collaboration between the teams in Szeged and New Haven fosters the development of innovative methodologies by combining the diverse and complementary expertise of the three participating institutions Röst stresses that having a well-defined strategy for the first 100 days is essential even if the necessary vaccine isn’t available yet and a viable plan for vaccine deployment should be in place by day 100 A key strategic question in this regard is: Which groups should be prioritized for vaccination “The answer depends on the pathogen’s characteristics and transmission parameters: which age groups are most affected and who the most vulnerable individuals are Prioritization must be tailored to the specific pathogen based on epidemic dynamics – there is no one-size-fits-all solution and completed modeling to ensure the vaccination strategy can be implemented effectively.” The Rapid-Grip program’s integrated methodology the Szeged team will oversee not only modeling work but also the integration of the entire process researchers at the University of Szeged will coordinate the efforts of Japanese epidemiologists and American public health experts to create a cohesive system the University’s two prominent international partners hold distinguished positions in epidemiological research: Yale is recognized as a global leader while Kyoto University is ranked among the top three institutions in Asia in this field At Kyoto University, Gergely Röst’s collaborator will be Professor Hiroshi Nishiura, a renowned physician and epidemiologist who played a pivotal role in Japan’s COVID-19 pandemic response. According to an online article in Science he was dubbed 'Uncle 80%’ by the local media during the early when he urged the population to reduce social interactions by 80% to curb the spread of the virus Professor Nishiura has visited the University of Szeged and maintains a long-standing professional relationship with Gergely Röst The two have co-authored several publications and the Hungarian mathematician has also contributed as an instructor in summer courses organized by Professor Nishiura in Japan Also involved in the project is Professor Alison Galvani, an epidemiologist from Yale University who leads the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis at the Yale Institute for Global Health she frequently applies mathematical tools in her research and her collaboration with Gergely Röst extends to co-authored work in the field the first two years are dedicated to developing the scientific and technological foundation followed by the transformation of the process into a functional service in the third year the methodology will be presented to international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as European and American epidemic control authorities The significance of the project is evident in the swift interest it has garnered Toronto-based epidemic modelers expressed their intention to join the international network being established through the Rapid-Grip project with plans to allocate substantial Canadian funding to support the collaboration Beyond its North American and Asian connections the University of Szeged is strengthening its European partnerships Gergely Röst points out that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is significantly expanding its modeling activities The epidemic modeling group at the University of Szeged is part of a consortium led by the Helmholtz Institute in Germany has secured a €3 million framework agreement the University of Szeged’s mathematicians will be instrumental in performing critical epidemic calculations for the European Union With its international partnerships and the Rapid-Grip program the University of Szeged has the potential to establish itself as a leading global center for epidemiological research in the future “The University of Szeged’s epidemic modeling team is gaining significant international prominence by collaborating with leading institutions such as the Yale School of Public Health and Kyoto University on the global stage. The HU-rizont grant has also created opportunities for collaboration beyond Europe linking Szeged with two prestigious universities in Asia and the Americas – focusing on a topic that benefits all of humanity,” concludes Gergely Röst head of the Department of Applied and Numerical Mathematics at the Bolyai Institute and leader of the Rapid-Grip HU-rizont consortium The University of Szeged already boasts three research programs aiming to harness the mRNA technology pioneered by Katalin Karikó Antal Nógrádi’s research group is developing mRNA-based treatments for spinal cord injuries; Prof Attila Gácser and his team are working on therapies for inflammation caused by fungal infections; and Prof Ildikó Csóka’s research group is investigating the targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients via nano-carriers Gábor Katona exploring whether siRNAs that inhibit mRNA decoding can be delivered to tumor cells Vice Rector for Strategic Affairs at the University of Szeged has revealed that the University is setting up a new research center to advance its cutting-edge mRNA research with the Pasteur Institute now recognizing the University as its partner mRNA-based therapeutic research is currently one of the most prominent fields of interest in biomedical science worldwide While this emerging field became widely known because of mRNA vaccines Katalin Karikó’s research in the two decades prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by her desire to explore the potential of protein replacement therapies for cardiological and neurosurgical treatments was drawn to the field through his research on HIV vaccines when Katalin Karikó joined Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin at BioNTech their collaborative research efforts focused on mRNA-based personalized cancer immunotherapy and protein replacement therapies for treating rare genetic disorders three of these four scientists will be delivering talks at the upcoming mRNA conference at the University of Szeged scientific organizer of the mRNA conference describes mRNA technology as the Swiss Army knife of medicine This is evidenced by the fact that leading scientific institutions around the world are currently conducting research programs focused on mRNA-based cancer treatments All these approaches are based on a common principle: instead of delivering proteins via administered drugs mRNA that encodes those proteins is introduced into the body This process is comparable to receiving a ‘prescription’ intravenously mRNA is used to encode a protein that triggers an immune response Katalin Karikó first began advocating for this new medical procedure amidst skepticism from fellow researchers when she and Drew Weissman discovered that by replacing one component of mRNA with N1-methyl-pseudouridine the molecule could enter cells without being detected by the body’s innate immune sensors The resulting patent has since paved the way for a whole new realm of biotechnology and therapeutic procedures Katalin Karikó brought together many of her fellow scientists for the upcoming Novo Nordisk conference set to take place at the University of Szeged in November The list of presentation topics reflects the directions the Nobel laureate professor from the University of Szeged considers most innovative in basic research Antal Nógrádi: A therapeutic protein reducing inflammation in spinal cord injuries Antal Nógrádi (fourth from the right) with his research group Nógrádi’s research team published an article on a new procedure that utilizes mRNA technology to produce anti-inflammatory therapeutic proteins using mRNA delivered to the injured spinal cord This research perfectly aligns with Katalin Karikó’s long-held vision that mRNA technology could play a major role in post-injury regenerative medicine Professor Nógrádi will present his related findings on the first day of the conference “Spinal cord injuries often result in severe and permanent loss of function throughout the body; below the level of the injury a significant influx of inflammatory cells floods the damaged area of the spinal cord triggering a secondary injury process that exacerbates the initial physical injury this detrimental process can be mitigated or even prevented by delivering the mRNA of therapeutic proteins into the spinal cord This promotes the survival of damaged neurons and supports neurite growth thereby facilitating the reconstruction of spinal cord connections Experimental treatment also fosters improvement in the restoration of motor functions,” says Dr Attila Gácser: A protein shutting down inflammation caused by fungal infection university professor and head of the Institute of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Informatics Leading a research group focused on fungal pathogens head of the Institute of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Informatics at the University of Szeged is engaged in a research program that utilizes mRNA technology This research aims to develop mRNA-based therapies for infections caused by the Candida fungus as well as two even more severe and often fatal fungal infections: mucormycosis and aspergillosis Attila Gácser has been studying pathogenic fungi at the University of Szeged for 20 years encouraged by Katalin Karikó and her former mentee and colleague His experiments with the Candida fungus are currently in the in vivo phase Although preliminary results are promising the biology professor emphasizes that there is still a long way to go: “Candida infections can cause gynecological issues that negatively affect quality of life and some studies suggest they may even contribute to the development of cervical cancer the presence of Candida is usually not a cause for concern This fungus is naturally present in everyone’s body which means no one contracts a fungal infection from a toilet seat or their partner; rather the infection develops internally from an imbalance in their own body’s flora We believe the inflammation triggered by Candida contributes to the pathology which is why we aim to eliminate it through mRNA therapy Our goal is not to provoke an immune response against the fungus since this could result in even more inflammation our objective is the opposite: to eliminate the fungal factor responsible for the inflammation We hypothesize that by deactivating this detrimental factor using the protein produced by the mRNA This approach helps us avoid the common problem of antifungal treatments causing bacterial overgrowth and antibacterial treatments leading to fungal proliferation.” Attila Gácser’s research program at the Institute of Biology at the University of Szeged will be moved to a new research center equipped with state-of-the-art mRNA technology laboratories The necessary infrastructure is expected to be fully operational by May 2025 This investment reflects the University’s commitment to leveraging Katalin Karikó’s support to inspire a new generation of researchers to pursue mRNA-based projects Karikó even contributed to the construction of an animal research facility for the new center by donating her share of a grant associated with the Novo Nordisk Prize she received with her colleagues in 2022 we decided to establish infrastructure at the University of Szeged to support the realization of mRNA research ideas,” said Professor Attila Gácser “New research programs are typically high-risk ventures from the initial idea to its actual implementation as the center will benefit not only my research group but also those at the University of Szeged who propose new mRNA research projects The facility will house an in vivo and a five-laboratory in vitro research unit Although it will be a small research center it will operate with a clear focus and is expected to be competitive in international research.” The researchers interviewed were unanimous in saying that Katalin Karikó regularly and intensively consults on the programs she supports Her key advice for the University of Szeged is to focus on applications of mRNA technology in specialized areas that represent a ‘market niche’ amid the fields covered by large international pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories While institutions with vast budgets can accelerate development across broad areas of research the research groups at the University of Szeged may be more effective in addressing specific This strategy has been validated by the significant interest the Pasteur Institute in Paris has taken in mRNA therapy research for fungal infections Strategic Vice-Rector of the University of Szeged explained that the Pasteur Institute now sees Attila Gácser’s project as a complementary program to its own research efforts the relationship between the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the University of Szeged has grown stronger Our most recent discussions have made it clear that the Pasteur Institute with its legacy of over 100 years of infectious disease research is closely following the University of Szeged’s mRNA research program on fungal infections They view the new research center as a facility that will complement their own infrastructure It is quite promising in terms of our university’s prospects that a world-class institute recognizes the potential for extensive collaboration in mRNA technology research,” emphasized the vice-rector Gábor Katona: Gene-silencing siRNA packaged in nanoparticles associate professor at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs The University of Szeged is also home to a research project with a unique connection to mRNA an associate professor at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs at the Faculty of Pharmacy is developing a nano-drug delivery system designed to target malignant brain tumors via nasal administration This method would allow for the delivery of gene-silencing siRNA effectively ’switching off’ the pivotal genes that drive tumor growth This is achieved by the siRNA preventing the mRNA from being decoded into amino acids thereby halting protein production and silencing the gene that encodes the mRNA Gábor Katona’s research is currently in the preclinical phase has been intensively exploring the possibility of delivering various drug compounds into the central nervous system via the nasal cavity using nanoparticles Our previous experience has been instrumental in successfully packaging siRNA into an appropriate nano-carrier system which protects it from enzymatic degradation and enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier to reach its therapeutic target The research on siRNA was made possible by the grant associated with the Jesse Stevenson Kovalenko Medal who generously donated it to the university This donation aims to motivate young scientists involved in RNA research I believe this goal has already been successfully achieved as an increasing number of students are now engaging in this research including members of the Students’ Scientific Association mRNA research at the University of Szeged being discussed in Katalin Karikó’s office at the University mRNA conference: first-hand insights into scientific discoveries Márta Széll views the conference as highly significant for the University of Szeged our university will host leading scientists in mRNA research whose findings are at the forefront of the field In addition to drawing increased attention to the university the conference will give many of our researchers and students the chance to participate They will gain first-hand insights into the latest developments which should be immensely inspiring for the university community.” “I teach mRNA technology in my immunology class,” says Attila Gácser who also serves as the scientific organizer of the Novo Nordisk mRNA conference in Szeged “This will be an extraordinary and unique opportunity for my students to hear directly from the pioneers in the field and learn how all this knowledge came to be.” The international m-RNA conference will take place at the University of Szeged on November 7 and 8 Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman will be among the speakers 13 leading mRNA researchers representing the cutting edge of international mRNA research will be coming to Szeged from the United Kingdom Just One Month to Go: Top-Tier Summit of the Scientific Scene Featuring Katalin Karikó at the University of Szeged Ordinary days in the extraordinary life of a Nobel laureate: Katalin Karikó talks about a park bench in Philadelphia and mRNA researchers University of Szeged to host two-day conference on the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of medical science Round 2 of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League 2024/25 ended Thursday evening with title holders Barça surviving an impressive comeback by OTP Bank - Pick Szeged the Spanish champions had to settle for a narrow 31:30 home win SC Magdeburg downed Kolstad Håndbold 33:25 following a dominant performance.  Earlier Thursday, Veszprém HC took a stunning 41:28 victory over Paris Saint-Germain Handball – the biggest winning margin in any of the 17 duels the two powerhouses have played against each other Sporting CP steamrolled Fredericia Håndbold in Denmark: 37:19 the biggest ever win in Europe's top flight for the Portuguese club Veszprém HC (HUN) vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 41:28 (18:15) The Paris Saint-Germain players certainly did not feel too unlucky going back to the dressing room only three goals down at half-time the arrival on the court of Sergey Kosorotov gave the hosts the first breakaway of the evening Scoring four goals while Rodrigo Corrales made save after save the Russian left back gave Veszprém a first six goal advantage in the 23rd minute: 16:10 and with the help of their line players Luka Karabatic and Kamil Syprzak Paris held on to their two-goal deficit for a couple of minutes after the break before Veszprém put the pedal to the metal again with Mikita Vailupau scoring fast break after fast break the hosts took a first 10-goal advantage at the 41th minute: 31:21 The gap between the two teams only grew further and reached 13 at the end – more than in any of the previous 16 duels between the two teams And only a couple of saves by Jannick Green prevented Veszprém from handing Paris their biggest defeat ever in the EHF Champions League which remains the 44:28 drubbing at the hands of THW Kiel in 2005 Fredericia Håndbold Klub (DEN) vs Sporting CP (POR) 19:37 (8:17) It did not take long for Sporting to find their rhythm into the game the visitors were already four goals ahead and had forced the hosts to take a first team timeout Things did not improve for Fredericia afterwards as the Danish side lost too many easy balls offering their opponents fast-break opportunities Francisco 'Kiko' Costa scored three early goals and in his wake Sporting were ahead by 10 after just 22 minutes (5:15) The Portuguese side did not slow down after the break with Kiko Costa again and Salvador Salvador making sure the 10-goal lead would not be lost Things did not improve for the hosts after the break as Sporting picked up exactly where they had left off Sporting made their advantage even bigger in the second part of the second half It grew up to 18 goals at the final buzzer with five players from the Portuguese side scoring four goals or more while Francisco Costa proved to be the most prolific Magdeburg put themselves in the driving seat within the first 12 minutes of the game With Sergey Hernandez locking the door between the posts the hosts were able to play fast and score easy goals Albin Lagergren and Manuel Zehnder both scored three to put SCM ahead by seven after 12 minutes (10:3) partly thanks to Torbjørn Bergerud’s saves they were never able to reduce the gap to less than six goals Magdeburg scored three straight goals for a nine-goal lead at the break The time in the locker room benefited Kolstad as the visitors came back with more aggressive defensive intentions This allowed them to come back within six after 10 minutes but Sergey Hernandez was quick to put his team out of danger again the Swedish left back compiled eight in total to keep his team in the lead With five players scoring four goals or more Magdeburg pulled out a strong team performance to take their first points of the season Barça (ESP) vs OTP Bank - Pick Szeged (HUN) 31:30 (20:12) Just looking at the goalkeepers’ statistics was enough to explain Barça’s eight-goal lead at the break Gonzalo Perez de Vargas put up a wall and stopped 11 shots The Barça goalkeeper forced Szeged to shoot outside of the goal many times Even though Tobias Thulin pulled out a good performance between the visitors’ posts he could not prevent Barça from breaking away on the scoreboard The advantage peaked at nine goals at the 24th minute when Jonathan Carlsbogard scored from distance before Barça settled for eight at the break The second half was much better for Szeged as the Hungarian side was able to finally put their shots into the net Mario Sostaric was elemental for the visitors scoring eight in total and finishing the game as the best scorer Szeged was able to reduce the advantage to one goal with a few minutes left to play as Dika Mem had left the court with a shoulder injury Emil Nielsen saved some important shots before wingers Manuel Ortega and Aleix Gomez sealed the deal for the hosts ROUND PREVIEW: Two quarter-final tickets and one play-off berth to be decided in the last round of the group phase ROUND PREVIEW: While Barça and Veszprém secured top spots in their groups two quarter-final tickets are still available ROUND PREVIEW: Veszprém and Sporting face each other in the Match of the Week while the battle for the play-offs continues in both groups ROUND PREVIEW: Group leaders start with high away hurdles Aalborg and Füchse can secure their spots in the knockout stage ROUND PREVIEW: Sporting and Dinamo chase Veszprém HC in group A while Barça eye play-off spot in round 9 of the Machineseeker EHF Champions… ROUND PREVIEW: The second part of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League group phase starts this week with all 16 teams still able to progr… QUARTER-FINAL REVIEW: Sporting CP came close but HBC Nantes clinched a narrow win in the first leg of the Machineseeker EHF Champions Leagu… Winners by one goal in Hungary in the first leg (30-31) Paris meet Szeged at Coubertin this Thursday Although Les Rouge et Bleu took a big step towards qualification at the Pick Aréna they will have to confirm their advantage at home if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the competition Find out everything you need to know about this EHF Champions League play-off return leg Szeged will approach this match determined to win Michael Apelgren's team is determined to end a bad run of form on both the continental and domestic stages Having fallen behind by as many as four goals in the second half the Hungarians made no secret of their enthusiasm when they scored their final goal at the end of the match who will once again be looking to rely on Europe's top scorer Une publication partagée par EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) Szeged were able to count on a full squad to challenge our Rouge et Bleu the duo of Roland Mikler and Tobias Thulin gave the capital club a hard time stopping three of Paris' eight penalty throws two well-known faces took their places on the right flank: former Aix player Imanol Garcienda and Norwegian international Magnus Rod who already faced Paris in the Kolstad shirt last season On the opposite flank is the first pillar of this Hungarian squad: Richard Bodo who boasts 50 goals on the continental stage so far this season forms a complementary duo with former Montpellier player Borut Mackovsek Janus Smarason is competing with Lazar Kukic who proved dangerous against Les Rouge et Bleu last week (6 goals) Une publication partagée par EHF Champions League (@ehfcl) Szeged have on the right wing none other than the top scorer in the EHF Champions League so far: Mario Sostaric the Croatian allows little playing time for young hopeful Benjamin Szylagyi Sebastian Frimmel is as reliable as ever and adds to the long list of dangers to watch out for while Croatian Marin Jelenic is establishing himself as a quality alternative.Finally even if Szeged have other options in this position In addition to former Nantes player Jérémy Toto the Hungarians can also rely on the experience of Russian international Gleb Kalarash 11' : Le 700ème but en @ehfcl pour @syprzak_kamil ! (3-4) #SZEPSG pic.twitter.com/dJrDRaKWJi With three matches scheduled for Wednesday Paris or Szeged will clinch the last ticket to the quarter-finals in the final clash on Thursday Nantes will have to pull off a Herculean feat against Wisla Plock who will play host to Kielce with a six-goal lead following their comfortable victory in the first leg (27-33) Magdeburg will play host to Dinamo Bucharest after already having done the hard part in Romania (26-30) your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt which has toured the world's musical stages will now be played for the first time under the open sky in Hungary's largest summer theatre with a capacity of 4,000 people The very first performance of the play was held in the summer of 1930 and directed by Sándor Hevesi Rebecca tells the story of a wealthy man who lost his first wife under mysterious circumstances and his new wife until she matures from a little girl into a real woman but she often sticks out of the box of regularity and does things that are instinctive and sudden She has an instinctive urge to break out of this socialite character until she gets to Manderley and becomes the lady of Manderley House," explained the actress on her role The play first premiered in Hungary in 2010 at the Capital Operetta Theatre "The driving force of the story is the need to confront ourselves this is a very 21st century thing in my opinion I had the stipulation that I didn't want to do it with the old ones because then I would be reviving something actually reproducing it" Béres said on reinventing the play for a modern audience The director of the National Theater of Szeged László Barnák also takes the stage in the role of Colonel Julyan who leads the investigation into Rebecca's death The music also plays during the prose scenes so it doesn't only start when a song has to be played and the dynamics and tempo of the performance must be very tight" he explained. The musical piece can be seen a total of five times at Dóm Square in Szeged during the whole festival's run 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 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 the visiting team from Zhejiang University of Agriculture and Forestry treated participants to traditional Chinese tea attendees of the event held in celebration of the upcoming UN Chinese Language Day (April 20) were “transported” to China – if only for a day Taking place at the ÁGOTA Cultural and Community Center and the adjacent Eötvös József High School in Szeged the celebration was jointly organized by Eötvös József High School and the University of Szeged’s Confucius Institute The day offered an engaging and authentic glimpse into Chinese culture brought to life through performances and presentations by students from the Confucius Institute Among the distinguished guests was Judit Plesovszkiné Ujfaluczki Director of the Szeged District Education Center The international dimension of the event was also reflected in a message from Han Dongsheng Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Hungary The letter was read aloud in Chinese by Prof Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged Principal of Eötvös József High School in Szeged the Counselor emphasized: “As economic and cultural ties between the two countries continue to deepen the demand for professionals proficient in Chinese is growing rapidly in Hungary This presents a historic opportunity for the development of international Chinese-language education in the country Confucius Institutes and classrooms serve as important platforms for Chinese-language instruction providing rich learning resources and an excellent educational environment for students the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged has been actively dedicated to teaching the Chinese language and promoting Chinese culture.” which focused on important and timely issues in Chinese-language education National HR Manager at the limited liability company BYD Auto Hungary Kft. She was accompanied by her Hungarian colleague Assistant Professor at the Department of Altaic Studies within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Szeged delivered a lecture on the Chinese-language program to be launched at the institution A specialist in comparative and historical Altaic linguistics Kempf emphasized the growing importance of Chinese in the 21st century noting a steady increase in the number of Chinese-language learners Although Chinese is taught at several higher education institutions across Hungary there is currently no independent department dedicated to the subject outside of Budapest the Department of Altaic Studies is spearheading efforts to expand Chinese-language education and will introduce a new Chinese-language specialization beginning in September 2025 English teacher and senior educator at Eötvös József High School and Elementary School in Szeged Chinese-language instructor at the Confucius Institute of the University of Szeged delivered a plenary lecture titled “The Future of Smart Pens in Blended Education.” Continuing the focus on practical issues in language teaching Assistant Professor at the Department of Chinese Studies within the Institute of International and Political Science at Pázmány Péter Catholic University – and also a sociologist and tourism expert – addressed various challenges surrounding Chinese-language examinations Adding to the range of expert perspectives Zsuzsanna Karsai’s speech attracted significant attention A Chinese-language instructor and doctoral student in Sinology at the Doctoral School of Linguistics at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) she also teaches both Chinese and cultural studies at the Hungarian–Chinese Bilingual Primary and Secondary School in Budapest The spirit of Chinese culture was powerfully expressed at the gathering by students from the Eötvös and Kossuth schools contributing to an authentic and engaging atmosphere The event also offered a sensory experience for the taste buds featuring a tea art demonstration by students from Zhenjiang University of Agriculture and Forestry Another highlight of the program was a captivating presentation by a delegation from Hangzhou University who arrived in Szeged on April 15 as guests of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged the team offered participants a rich and immersive introduction to Chinese tea traditions through their live demonstration Complementing the exquisite selection of teas the university and the Sherry Restaurant Chain also served a variety of pastries rounding out an experience that delighted all in attendance the audience had the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions conducted in both Hungarian and English Chairman of the Board of the Sherry Restaurant Chain Li Zhen shared personal insights and reflections on the topic ‘What It Means to Be Chinese in Hungary.’ Original Hungarian article and photo by Ferenc Lévai