Taking the already existing partnership to a new level, Széchenyi István University and Mapei Ltd., a manufacturer of chemical products for the construction industry, have signed a cooperation agreement. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen the practice-oriented education of the Faculty of Architecture Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences in order to enhance the professional knowledge of students.

Széchenyi István University has close ties with a number of key players in the industry to provide its students with real-life experience in companies in addition to practical education. This is no different at the Faculty of Architecture Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences, where particular attention is paid to ensuring a supply of well-prepared construction professionals who are familiar with modern technologies. 

To improve training and support the practical skills of students, the institution has entered into a partnership with Mapei Ltd, the world's leading producer of chemical products for the construction industry, to strengthen its existing relationship.

Dr János Szép, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences at Széchenyi István University, Béla Markovich, Managing Director of Mapei Ltd. and Dr Ferenc Friedler, Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and Rector of the University (Photo: András Adorján)

"For years we have had a good relationship with the company, which uses the latest technologies in the production of building materials. It is to the benefit of students and educators that the company shares this knowledge with the university through lectures, demonstration tools and professional cooperation," said Dr János Szép, Dean of the Faculty.

"Education and the vocational training of future generations have always been of paramount importance to Mapei Ltd. We are proud to collaborate with Széchenyi István University to support the professional development of students, helping them acquire the most practical knowledge and the most advanced technologies in every way possible. Our goal is to contribute to the education of future experts in the Hungarian construction industry and to foster the development of modern, innovative thinking", said Béla Markovich, Managing Director of Mapei Kft.

Through this collaboration, students will gain in-depth knowledge of Mapei's activities and products, which the company’s employees will present through lectures and sample materials. Additionally, the company offers professional support in the areas of thesis work, scientific student research applications, and PhD research by providing topics, taking on advisory and reviewing roles, and offering consultations to assist in the development of young professionals. The joint goal of the University and the company is to further strengthen their relationship through research and publications.

Supporting practice-oriented education, Mapei also contributes to the modernization of the faculty’s laboratories. In addition, promoting high-quality student work is also part of the agreement: the company will announce a thesis competition for graduating students, with the winner receiving a net prize of 200,000 HUF.

This academic year, students of the faculty will have the opportunity to visit the company’s production unit in Sóskút as a fieldtrip, gaining insight into the production of adhesives, concrete additives, thermal insulation products, and other materials manufactured by Mapei Ltd. used in the construction industry.

Participants of the signing ceremony (Photo: András Adorján)