More than 300 students presented their projects and artworks at the Széchenyi István University's Scientific and Art Students' Conference (TDK) and Talent Day on 24 April. This year, for the first time, the event also included a Tourism Olympics, where the contestants competed in practical tasks.

"Dealing with talents is not only about transferring knowledge, but also about teaching people to think" - said dr. Konczosné Prof. Dr. Szombathelyi Márta, President of the Academic and Art Students' Council of Széchenyi István University in her opening speech. As she said, the academic excellence of the students also shows the excellence of the institution, which is why it is important for the university to give special support to the development of talent. The success of the conference is reflected in the fact that this year more than 300 students registered, producing 189 research papers and 95 musical works.

This year, more than 300 students applied to the Scientific and Art Students' Conference at Széchenyi István University. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

The participants of the opening ceremony were also welcomed by Prof. Dr. Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University, who encouraged the young people to pursue a career in academia. "There are many advantages to a research career, as creative work, in addition to having a positive impact on the personality, it is an international calling card wherever you go in the world," he said.

The papers submitted to the TDK conference were heard by a jury of experts in 36 sections. The music students presented 95 performances over two days in the University Concert Hall, the former synagogue. The Talent Day was complemented by a colourful programme of accompanying events: a library escape room, a performance by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium and the chance to admire copies of rare books, as well as presentations and film-making.

This year's event was the first time that the Tourism Olympics were held, adding a hands-on competition to the programme. Dr. Viktória Kundi, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Gyula Kautz Faculty of Economics, initiated the competition with students in mind who would like to demonstrate their knowledge acquired at university in the form of a game show.

The jury awarded 37 first prizes, 36 second prizes, 21 third prizes and 46 special prizes at the Scientific and Art Students' Conference. A total of 90 entries have qualified for the National Student Science Conference (OTDK), to be held in spring 2025.

Again this semester, a good number of international students participated at the conference: out of 24 participants, 3 first, 4 second, 1 third and 4 special prizes were awarded, and 11 students qualified for the National Competition (OTDK.)