Dr Attila Szabó, Research Professor at SZE’s Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, has won the joint grand prize in the over-35 scientific category of the Kopp–Skrabski Awards. A Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, he is an internationally recognised psychologist, and his research focuses, among other areas, on the factors influencing physical and mental health, behavioural addictions and the effects of physical exercise.

The Three Princes, Three Princesses Foundation presented the Kopp–Skrabski Awards for the tenth time this year, while outstanding research and teaching achievements in the scientific category were recognised for the sixth time. Established in 2017, the award is named after Mária Kopp, a physician and psychologist, and Árpád Skrabski, an engineer and sociologist. In the scientific category, it recognises people whose work contributes to a better understanding of physical and mental health, the role of families and the importance of supportive communities. At the anniversary ceremony held at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ headquarters, the joint grand prize in the over-35 category was awarded to Dr Attila Szabó, Research Professor at Széchenyi István University, and Dr Hajnalka Fényes, Associate Professor at the University of Debrecen.

“Receiving this award is a great honour, and I was particularly pleased that so many of my colleagues congratulated me. For me, this is perhaps one of the most important forms of feedback: it shows that people notice and appreciate what I do. Publications and professional achievements are, of course, important, but this kind of personal recognition is one of the strongest sources of motivation,” said Dr Attila Szabó.

Dr Attila Szabó, Research Professor at SZE’s Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences and joint grand prize winner in the scientific category of the Kopp–Skrabski Awards. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

His research focuses on behavioural addictions, placebo and nocebo mechanisms, and the relationship between physical exercise and mental health. His scientific standing is reflected in his inclusion for several consecutive years among the world’s top 2% most-cited researchers in a ranking compiled by Stanford University in the United States and the academic publisher Elsevier. His research also addresses emerging social and technological phenomena: last year, he delivered a plenary lecture in Istanbul on the problematic use of artificial intelligence.

“I consider myself a health psychologist, with a particular interest in modern behavioural addictions. These include exercise addiction,excessive use of smartphones and other communication technologies, and, more recently, addiction-related phenomena associated with artificial intelligence. One of the most important achievements of my career, however, is having been among the pioneers of online psychological research. As early as 1996–97, I was collecting data online, when this was far from common practice, and I also co-authored a guide to online research with Professor Róbert Frenkl. I am particularly proud to have helped pioneer a method that has since become an everyday tool in psychological research,” he emphasised.

The professor also plays an important role in teaching. As programme supervisor, he contributes to the Health Psychology Master’s programme at SZE’s Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, which he also helped establish and develop. The programme prepares professionals to apply their knowledge of both psychology and health sciences to help prevent illness, improve quality of life and promote greater health awareness. “I am grateful to Dr Angéla Somogyi, the Dean of the Faculty, for her approach to working with colleagues, which is highly motivating and fosters a positive working environment. In such an environment, both teaching and research can thrive. This has contributed to my receiving this recognition,” said Dr Szabó.

Several members of the SZE community have previously received Kopp–Skrabski Awards. Dr Attila Pongrácz received the award in 2021, Dr Anna Pátkainé Bende in 2024, and in 2025, Jázmin Lőre and Tamás Krúdy were also honoured, with the latter receiving the award jointly with his wife. The University has a long-standing partnership with the Three Princes, Three Princesses Movement, which has also recognised it as a Family-Friendly University.