Széchenyi István University has expressed its gratitude to István Láng, Director General of the General Directorate of Water Management, and József Németh, Director of the North Transdanubian Water Directorate, by awarding them the Gold Level Certificate of Recognition from the Governing Board. This honour acknowledges their outstanding contributions to the management of successful flood defense operations, as well as their extensive partnership with the University.

The University’s most prominent annual event is the Academic Day in September, held in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Count István Széchenyi. This occasion serves as the platform for the presentation of distinguished awards. However, last year’s celebration was postponed to November due to flood defense activities. In recognition of their exceptional service, the leadership of Széchenyi István University awarded the Gold Level Certificate of Recognition to István Láng and József Németh. As they were unable to attend the rescheduled event, they recently received the award from Dr Bálint Filep, President of the University, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International and Strategic Relations and Prof. Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Prof. Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University; Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International and Strategic Relations; József Németh, Director of the North Transdanubian Water Directorate; István Láng, Director General of the General Directorate of Water Management and Dr Bálint Filep, President of the University, at the presentation of the Certificates of Recognition. (Photo: András Adorján)

The flood wave that receded in September 2024 affected the city of Győr, including the University campus located near the Mosoni-Danube River. As an active participant in the life of the local community, Széchenyi István University played a significant role in the flood defense efforts, contributing through the volunteer work of its students and staff, as well as by providing accommodation for specialists who arrived from other regions. The water management leadership once again demonstrated outstanding coordination and organization in managing the defense efforts. The University community expressed its gratitude for this work through the recognition awarded to the Director General and the Regional Director.

Students of Széchenyi István University also assisted professionals in flood defense efforts in September last year. (Photo: András Adorján)

The award also serves as a tribute to the long-standing close cooperation between the University and the water management authorities. The shared commitment to projects such as the Szigetköz Water Replenishment Initiative and the achievements of the Insula Magna Complex Water Management and Sustainable Development Program clearly demonstrate the strength of this partnership. The latter project aims to support the sustainable development of the Szigetköz–Csallóköz region, highlighting the idea that water connects rather than divides. This spirit of regional cooperation is celebrated annually by the University and its partners—including the General Directorate of Water Management—via the event titled "The Water We Wanted".  Furthermore, the joint programmes, conferences, and workshops organized to mark World Water Day symbolize the importance of collective action.

In the interest of Szigetköz’s future, a broad-based collaboration has been established, with the General Directorate of Water Management, the North Transdanubian Water Directorate, and Széchenyi István University all playing key roles. (Photo: Gábor Marcali)

The water management authorities also support the education of future professionals and actively participate in the University’s research activities. The foundation of this close cooperation is a shared goal—contributing to sustainability. A liveable and healthy future is unimaginable without an adequate quantity and quality of water. As such, the fields of water management and environmental protection are becoming increasingly significant today. The challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions demand greater expertise and broader collaboration than ever before. This is the partnership that water management authorities and the University have committed to, and the awards presented are a testament to this recognition.