As doctoral students at Széchenyi István University, Brúnó Péter, with his research in the automotive industry, and Dr Domonkos Tinka, with his healthcare-focused research, ranked among the top seven competitors out of dozens of applicants in the prestigious 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition. Besides the University of Debrecen, Széchenyi István University was the only institution with two candidates selected by the prestigious panel for this exclusive group.

The Ministry of Culture and Innovation, together with the National Association of Doctoral Students, for the first time organized the Cooperative Doctoral Programme (KDP) conference in Budapest to promote the integration of employees into doctoral programmes. The event provided an opportunity for scholarship doctoral students, universities, companies, ministry representatives, and officials from the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office to share their experiences and achievements.

As part of the event, the 3MT competition (Three-Minute Thesis) took place, where doctoral students were given three minutes to present their research. The panel, consisting of distinguished members, such as Professor Dr Péter Szendrő, Chair of the Cooperative Doctoral College, Professor Dr Zoltán Benyó, Chair of the National Doctoral Council, Gergő Lencsés, Chair of the Dual Education Council, Dániel Molnár, Chair of the National Association of Doctoral Students and Dr István Szabó, deputy CEO of the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), selected the top seven candidates out of dozens. Széchenyi István University, alongside the University of Debrecen, was the only institution with two doctoral candidates – Brúnó Péter and Dr Domonkos Tinka – ranked among the best.

The top contestants in the 3MT competition, including Széchenyi István University doctoral students Dr. Domonkos Tinka (first from left) and Brúnó Péter (third from left).

Dr Domonkos Tinka graduated last year from the University of Pécs Medical School. He chose Széchenyi University for his doctoral studies because he wanted to pursue his PhD at an institution with strong engineering and technological competencies. "I am researching the technological background of medical science and its economic viability," he explained. His study, “Da Vinci Robot-Assisted Surgeries in Hungary”, earned him a place among the top contenders in the competition. His academic advisors are Professor Dr Tamás Dusek, head of Széchenyi University’s Doctoral School of Regional and Economic Sciences, and Dr Zsolt Szepesváry, Vice Dean for Development at the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences and head of the Urology Department at the Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital in Győr.

Currently a resident in paediatrics and neonatology at the Győr hospital, Dr Domonkos entered the competition for two reasons: he saw the unique three-minute presentation format as both a challenge and a growth opportunity, and was eager to participate in the conference. “My interdisciplinary research focuses on the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, developed in the U.S. and currently used in eight facilities in Hungary, including one at the Petz Hospital, purchased in a strategic partnership between the University and the hospital. I am conducting a cost-benefit analysis of this significant investment as well as comparing robotic-assisted surgeries with laparoscopic procedures, focusing on outcomes and benefits,” he explained.

Dr Domonkos Tinka regarded the 3MT competition as a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

Brúnó Péter presented his research titled “The Impact of Weather Factors on the Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles” to the conference attendees. He is conducting his research in collaboration with MouldTech Systems Ltd. in Zalaegerszeg, where he works as a development engineer, under the supervision of Dr István Lakatos, a professor at Széchenyi István University.

“My research examines how certain weather factors—such as strong wind gusts, significant temperature fluctuations, and heavy precipitation—affect the aerodynamic parameters of electric vehicles, particularly their energy consumption. I am conducting fluid dynamics simulations, as well as wind tunnel and test track measurements. The topic is crucial, as extending the driving range of electric vehicles remains one of the greatest challenges in the automotive industry. As a KDP scholar, I aim to ensure that my research findings can be applied directly in the industry,” explained Mr Péter. He noted that he is especially proud to have been ranked among the best in the 3MT competition as the only representative from a technical field.

In his research, Brúnó Péter is studying the effects of weather factors on the parameters of electric vehicles.