University of Szeged - Where knowledge and challenge meet

The intellectual potential accumulated at the University of Szeged and the research conducted here have turned the institution not only into an important centre of Hungarian higher education, but also a crucial actor of innovation in Hungary. The 19 doctoral schools and its internationally renowned research groups participate in high quality education as well as organize and conduct basic and applied research in various areas. An example to be followed by doctoral candidates and young researchers, selected from among the best students, is that 17 of the ordinary members and 2 of the corresponding members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) are teachers at the University of Szeged. The research workshops and knowledge centres of the university have a close relationship and cooperate with famous Hungarian and foreign partner organizations. As a result of the cooperation with the Academy, 12 fully supported and 8 partly supported research groups in 4 faculties of the university enjoy the support of MTA.
The success of the research conducted in Szeged is demonstrated by the fact that by the beginning of 2008 the university has had 22 domestic applications for patent. 9 of these have reached the international phase, while the patenting of 16 others is pending. From these, 5 have been licensed with a view to further utilization. Negotiations with different spin-off businesses and other Hungarian and international companies on possible forms of utilization of 4 patents are in progress. This, among other things, is due to the innovation strategy of the university and its innovation management including the establishment of the knowledge centre based on current industry demand. To utilize intellectual products effectively, SZTE, the Szeged Biological Centre of MTA, the Local Government of Szeged and the Duna-Tisza Zrt founded the company Biopolisz Szeged Innovation Services Kft in the summer of 2004 to facilitate patenting intellectual property and entering the market. It also takes part in tasks related to technology transfer. The University of Szeged, along with its industrial partners such as companies engaged in biotechnology, is the driver of innovation in the Dél-Alföld region. These partnerships are managed and coordinated by the university's Directorate for Research and Development and Innovation.
The University of Szeged is actively involved in drawing up middle and long-term programmes (e.g. Biopolisz Pólus) shaping the development of Szeged and the Dél-Alföld region. The key to the regional strategy of the following decades can be the program based on the cooperation of natural sciences and various related disciplines. Knowledge elements of this program focus on health industry, agricultural biotechnology, environmental technology, and information technology (which also prospers on its own) and supports other scientific developments. The human resources for all these developments are ensured by the constantly extending and diversifying post-secondary vocational education and technical education in accordance with European endeavours and expectations.