The latest space communications technologies, satellite services and space exploration were the focus of this year's World Telecommunications Day conference. The event was held for the 15th time at Széchenyi István University with the special support of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH).

World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated on 17 May since 1968, to commemorate the signing of the founding act of the International Telecommunication Union in 1865. The document was signed by representatives of 20 countries, including Hungary. The day is commemorated every year by Hungarian telecommunications institutions, companies and educational centres, and the ceremony is traditionally held at Széchenyi István University.

The World Telecommunications Day conference is held every year on the campus of Széchenyi István University in Győr (Photo: Máté Dudás)

On behalf of the institution, Prof. Dr. Zoltán Horváth, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Electrical Engineering, welcomed the participants to the national conference, which was held for the 15th time this year.

He said that he is grateful that the University of Győr can host the annual telecom knowledge transfer, where the main objective is to learn about the latest technologies, global trends, consumer interests and changes in the regulatory background. "Our institution has been involved in telecommunications education since 1968, and since then generations of professionals have graduated from our institution. At present, students can study infocommunications specialisation within the bachelor's degree programme, which is supported by a significant laboratory background with the assistance of the NMHH. We are also planning to develop an infocommunications specialisation in our Master's degree in electrical engineering," he explained.

The event was attended by Karina Cessy, engineer from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radiocommunication Commission. In her welcoming address, she echoed the words of Mario Maniewicz, President of the association, and stressed that the World Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the impact of Infocommunication Technologies on the economy, society and individuals. "The theme of the Hungarian celebration - space telecommunications technologies, satellite services and space exploration - highlights the importance of space exploration in the modern world. Today, satellites are not only used in classic telecommunications fields, but also in areas such as agriculture, banking and transport," she said.

Welcoming speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Zoltán Horváth, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Electrical Engineering of Széchenyi University, Karina Cessy, ITU Radiocommunication Engineer and Dr. András Lapsánszky, Vice President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority’s Communications Department.

Dr. András Lapsánszky, Vice President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority’s Communications Department and Head of the Department of Law at Széchenyi University, gave a professional welcome speech at the conference. He stressed that the World Communications Day provides an opportunity for a professional debate on the most topical issues in communications. These include the increasing demand for data, cyber security and space telecommunications. "The role of the latter has increased significantly over the past decade, as society has placed huge demands on communications that terrestrial networks can no longer serve. Satellite networks and services must therefore be called upon to help," he said.

The Dr. Endre Magyari Awards were also presented at the ceremony. This year, the awards were given to Dr. András Gschwindt, Assistant Professor at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and István Petres, Head of NMHH's Office in Pécs.

Traditionally, the Dr. Endre Magyari Awards, which recognise the best in the profession, and the special prizes of the NMHH for students who have excelled in telecommunications at the Scientific Students' Association Conference are presented at the May ceremony. (Photo by Máté Dudás)

During the event, special prizes were awarded by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority to young people who excelled in the field of communications at this year's Scientific Students Association Conference (TDK). Five students from the Széchenyi István University, Alexandra Cazco Arguello Katherine, Péter Tóth Máté, Koppány Szűcs Ágoston, Norbert Eredits Dániel and Melinda Kosák, received the awards.

The participants of the plenary session of the conference were also able to listen to the presentation of Dr. Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, entitled "Hungary's role in space communications". (Photo by Máté Dudás)