On 7 May 2026, we once again held Eötvös Day at the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University, where we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our Faculty together. The ceremony was opened by Dean Imre Kacskovics, who emphasized in his welcome speech that the unity of research, education, and talent development forms the foundation of our Faculty’s activities and will continue to shape the long-term development of our scientific community.
The first part of the event, held in English, was a special highlight, as we had the honour of conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa upon Professor Peter Ungar. The laudation was delivered by Dr Enikő Magyari, Director of the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, who highlighted the recipient’s internationally acclaimed scientific achievements and his contribution to the advancement of his field. This was followed by the honorary doctor’s scientific lecture, in which he provided a comprehensive overview of his research, offering insights into his latest results and their broader scientific context.
It is of particular importance to us that our honorary doctors represent scholars who have not only achieved excellence in their own fields, but have also contributed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and the development of the academic community. By conferring the honorary doctorate, we recognized this broad impact and his dedication to scientific excellence. Professor Peter Ungar is an internationally renowned paleoanthropologist and evolutionary biologist whose research focuses on the relationship between human evolution and diet, with particular emphasis on the analysis of fossil teeth. Following the lecture, commemorative gifts were presented: on behalf of the Faculty, a medal was awarded, and the Geological Survey of the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs expressed its appreciation with a special gift, a replica of a paleontological find, presented by its director, Tamás Fancsik.
Prof. Peter Ungar, honorary doctor of Eötvös Loránd University.
Presentation of Awards
In the Hungarian-language part of the programme, we continued the event with the presentation of the Faculty’s awards. First, we presented the Medzihradszky Kálmán Award, one of the most important recognitions of talent development within the framework of the Scientific Students’ Associations at the Faculty. In 2026, this distinction was awarded to Dr György Kriska, who has played a defining role in organizing and developing student research activities for more than two decades, while the students under his supervision have achieved outstanding results at both Faculty and national levels. He is the founder of the subject-specific Scientific Students’ Association in science education methodology, which he has continuously developed ever since, enabling generations of students to become actively involved in research. His supervised students have achieved numerous successes at both Faculty and national competitions, while his work has also had a significant impact on the development of science education and environmental education in Hungary.
From left to right: Tamás Weiszburg, representative of the Pázmány Eötvös Natural Science Information Foundation; György Kriska, recipient of the Medzihradszky Kálmán Award, habilitated associate professor; Imre Kacskovics, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University; Ákos Horváth, Head of the Faculty Scientific Students’ Association Council.
The presentation of the Outstanding Teacher of the Faculty awards followed, which are granted based on student nominations. In 2026, this recognition was awarded to Petra Csomós and Beáta Oborny. What they share in their teaching practice is a high level of academic excellence, a well-considered methodological approach, and a strong emphasis on actively involving students in the learning process.
Petra Csomós is characterized by outstanding professional dedication, clearly structured courses, and a teaching approach built on active student engagement. In her teaching, the transparent and logical presentation of complex subject matter, combined with a student-centred approach, plays a key role, supporting students’ learning and professional development in the long term. The video interview with the award recipient can be viewed here.
From left to right: Arnold Troják, President of the Students’ Union of the Faculty of Science, ELTE; Petra Csomós, recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Faculty Award, habilitated associate professor; Imre Kacskovics, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University.
Beáta Oborny has fundamentally shaped ecological thinking at the Faculty through her decades of teaching and research activity. Her teaching practice is characterized by collaborative thinking, a creative approach, and a perspective built on field-based experience. Although she was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to commitments abroad, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for her outstanding work.
An important part of the programme was the elevator pitch presentations, where students introduced their research topics in short, two-minute talks. The winners of the 2026 competition were Máté Róbert Kepes, Emma Molnár, and Fanni Bujbáczi, while within the framework of the EKÖP programme, Máté Egyed and Zsófia Jólesz also presented their award-winning talks, further strengthening the visibility of the Faculty’s student research community.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Outstanding Student of the Faculty Certificates. This year, thirty students received recognition for their excellent academic performance, scientific achievements, and engagement in professional and public activities. The awardees were: Balogh Virág, Csefkó-Kis Veronika, Csipkay Krisztina, Fürstenhoffer Fanni, Jásdi Mihály Sándor, Kátrán Viktória, Marcsó Soma, Neuhauser Natali Julianna, Radvan Lilla, Dorottya Judit Cynolter, Péter Csóka, Klára Lelkes, Enikő Pichler, Olivér Norton Szabó, András Csontos, Kosztadin Gergő Glavanov, Benedek Koszta, Virág Soós, Lorina Benyó, Anna Daczi, Balázs Rácsai, Ferenc Sárvári, Késa Róza Takács, Péter Gyimesi, Bence Mihály Hollós, Máté Jánosik, Máté Róbert Kepes, Benjamin Móricz, Benedek Bálint Novák, Anna Tompos, and Sándor Vágó.
In 2026, the Scientific Students’ Association Medal was awarded to Hajnalka Breuer and László Zoltán Lenkey, who have both played a defining role for many years in supporting student research and shaping the next generation of professionals.
Hajnalka Breuer has had a key role in the professional development and orientation of meteorology students for more than a decade, as well as in organizing Scientific Students’ Association activities. As a supervisor, she has guided numerous students to success at both Faculty and national levels, while also placing strong emphasis on individual development, career orientation, and community building. Her work is closely linked to maintaining and further enhancing the high professional standard of student research activities in her field.
From left to right: Imre Kacskovics, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University; Hajnalka Breuer, recipient of the Scientific Students’ Association Medal, assistant professor; Ákos Horváth, Head of the Faculty Scientific Students’ Association Council.
László Zoltán Lenkey is a key figure in talent development within the framework of the Scientific Students’ Association at the Faculty, having been actively involved in supervising student research for more than two decades. His research and teaching activities cover a wide range of fields, from archaeological geophysics through geothermal studies to hydrogeology. He regularly involves his students in interdisciplinary, practice-oriented research, and through his work he plays a significant role in shaping the next generation of professionals and strengthening the scientific community.
From left to right: Imre Kacskovics, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University; László Zoltán Lenkey, recipient of the Scientific Students’ Association Medal, habilitated associate professor; Ákos Horváth, Head of the Faculty Scientific Students’ Association Council.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Juhász–Nagy Pál Award, which this year was awarded to Tamás Felföldi in recognition of his outstanding supervisory work within the Biology Scientific Students’ Association. This award was established by the Association itself and recognises lecturers who play a prominent role in student research activities. For many years, it has been an important part of the Faculty’s traditions in talent development.
From left to right: Imre Kacskovics, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Eötvös Loránd University; Tamás Felföldi, recipient of the Juhász–Nagy Pál Award, habilitated associate professor; Ádám Solti, Head of the Biology Scientific Students’ Association.
The Eötvös Day 2026 once again confirmed for us that education, research, and talent development are closely interconnected within the community of the Faculty of Science. The achievements of both the awardees and the students clearly demonstrate that collaborative work, mentoring relationships, and a strong commitment to science continue to shape the Faculty’s professional identity and future in the long term.