Created: 2025.06.05. 10:27
A delegation from the Embassy of the United States of America in Hungary recently visited Széchenyi István University. Robert Palladino, the chargé d’affaires, who assumed office in March, and his colleagues became acquainted with the University’s key research and development focus areas, met with students, and spoke appreciatively about its forward-looking initiatives.
Chargé d’affaires Robert Palladino began his tenure as the new head of the U.S. Embassy to Hungary in March, with one of his first visits outside the capital taking him to the city of Győr. He and his delegation were welcomed at Széchenyi István University’s Győr Innovation Park by University representatives who, in addition to presenting their broad research and development activities, also emphasized the importance of corporate partnerships.
Dr Árpád Tóth, the University’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the honour of receiving the embassy’s visit after a long interval, noting that strengthening international relations is a strategic priority for the institution. He explained that, within these efforts, in addition to advancing on global higher education rankings, significant emphasis is also placed on research and development collaborations, forward-looking partnerships, and international scientific networks.
During the meeting, Dr. Tamás Kolossváry, Director of the Győr Innovation Park, stated: “The park serves as a meeting point for the academic, technological, and business sectors. Its first building hosts numerous partner companies, ranging from major corporations to startups engaged in research and development. Three of its floors also house our Digital Development Centre and the design programmes of our Faculty of Design and Performance Arts. Furthermore, the complex is home to the Győr-Moson-Sopron County branch of the Confederation of Hungarian Business, as well as the office of the USA Accelerator Program, which supports the reinforcement of Hungarian-American corporate and higher education relations.”
Participants in the meeting at the Győr Innovation Park included Réka Orosz-Barczi, Head of the University’s Centre for Languages and Culture; Professor Dr Péter Smuk, Dean of the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences; Jeffrey Adler, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy; Dr Roland Kelemen, Head of the Department of Modern Technology and Cybersecurity Law; Dr Árpád Tóth, Chief Financial Officer; Péter Németh, Scientific Secretary and Head of the HUN-REN International Centre of Excellence at the University; Robert Palladino, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy; Olivér Takács, Deputy Director of the Digital Development Centre; Dr Tamás Kolossváry, Director of the Innovation Park; and Melissa Quartell, Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy. (Photo: András Adorján)
One of the University’s most prominent American collaborations—the Catalyst Europe programme, jointly conducted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)—was presented by Péter Németh, Scientific Secretary and Head of the HUN-REN International Centre of Excellence at the University. As one of the programme’s Hungarian coordinators, he explained that the initiative fosters the development of health technology innovations that contribute directly to the advancement of health sciences. He also announced the University’s plan in line with this mission to establish a MedTech Health Technology Campus, a centre dedicated to education, research, partnerships, and healthcare services.
Dr. Roland Kelemen, lecturer at the Deák Ferenc Faculty of Law and Political Sciences and a former Fulbright scholar, elaborated on the activities and educational programmes of the Department of Modern Technology and Cybersecurity Law, and discussed future cooperation opportunities. “This department is an excellent example of how swiftly Széchenyi University responds to new challenges as we were the first in Hungary to institutionalize the university-level education of cybersecurity law. Our motto is to teach, research, and practice in the field—hence our teaching staff consists of professionals and researchers actively working in it,” he emphasized. He added that in addition to existing master’s and postgraduate programmes, a new master’s degree in digital children’s rights and youth protection is currently under development. He also revealed that in the upcoming academic year, Joseph Squillace, a professor from Pennsylvania State University’s Schuylkill campus, will join the cybersecurity programme as a guest professor with support from the Fulbright Program.
In addition to meeting with academic staff, the delegation also engaged with students at the University’s central campus. Embassy representatives discussed academic programmes, career aspirations, student life, and recreational opportunities with students from technical, legal, and business disciplines. “We were greatly impressed by what we experienced today. Széchenyi University shows tremendous potential as it continues to grow. Sustainable development requires strong foundations—exactly what this institution offers,” said Robert Palladino.
Melissa Quartell, the cultural attaché, added: “The University has ambitious plans—an excellent example being the expansion project of the Győr Innovation Park, which presents numerous exciting opportunities for multicultural community-building.”
The U.S. Embassy delegation also met with both Hungarian and American students studying at Széchenyi University’s central campus. (Photo: András Adorján)
