Created: 2025.09.22. 13:12
Széchenyi István University officially announced the establishment of its newest organisational unit, the Department of Defence Innovation and Critical Infrastructures, on 18 September. At the event held in the Győr Innovation Park, it was emphasised that this initiative simultaneously strengthens national security, the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces, and the University’s research and educational profile.
Széchenyi István University considers it of utmost importance to contribute, together with the industrial sector and governmental stakeholders, to the development of society and the economy, of which national security is an integral part. The establishment of the Department of Defence Innovation and Critical Infrastructures serves this purpose – the first of its kind in Hungary, which began operations in the current academic year.
At the inaugural ceremony, Dr Zsolt Kutnyánszky, State Secretary for Defence Development and Defence Policy, stated that with the establishment of this department, education in engineering related to the defence industry and national defence in Hungary is reaching a new level. It serves as a unique example of how the strengths of defence, industry, innovation and academia can be united in pursuit of a common goal. The State Secretary noted that defence today is no longer solely about weapons and military technology; the protection of critical infrastructures, as well as the fields of cyber defence and information technology, have become equally important. He stressed that it is in the national interest to ensure the security of energy supply, transport networks, healthcare and digital systems – aims that this new department also supports.
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Participants of the inauguration with the new department’s nameplate:Ambassador Balázs Hendrich, Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Scientific Affairs of the University, Dr Bálint Filep, President of the University, Dr Zsolt Kutnyánszky, State Secretary, Dr Ferenc Szauter, Head of Department, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations of the University, Dr Áron Ballagi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Electrical Engineering, Dr Sarolta Szabó, Strategic Director of the University, and Dávid Vályi Nagy, President of the Student Union. (Photo: András Adorján)
Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Scientific Affairs of the University, highlighted in his welcome address that the most pressing problems of today’s world affect multiple disciplines. “Our institution is successful in responding to these new challenges because it can rely on outstanding professionals and infrastructure across a wide range of fields. Defence has always been about the most advanced technologies – today this means drones, autonomous systems and digitalisation – areas in which our institution is one of the country’s leading players,” he said. He added that in defence innovation, only first place is acceptable, since we must be better than potential adversaries. “To achieve this, both the effective knowledge-generating capacity of academia and the strict, hierarchical requirements of the armed forces are needed. This is why universities and the military are natural allies: the army contributes with up-to-date knowledge of military technology trends, while we contribute with our research and development capabilities,” he underlined.
Dr Áron Ballagi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Electrical Engineering, pointed out that the new department fits seamlessly with the Faculty’s existing strengths, particularly in the fields of informatics, electrical engineering and cyber security education. He explained that this will be complemented by programmes providing answers to issues within the defence and security sector. Thus, the offering will expand with specialised postgraduate courses in defence innovation engineering and management, as well as short courses providing micro-certificates (Defence Innovation AI Developer; Defence Innovation Manufacturing Technology Manager; Defence Project Manager; Financial and Legal Frameworks in the Defence Sector; Operation of Modern Defence Systems; Technology of Aerospace Autonomous Systems; Logistic Processes in the Defence Sector). He remarked that students will not only become familiar with cutting-edge technologies but will also develop into the defence professionals of the future, serving Hungary’s security and international competitiveness with their knowledge and creativity.
The new unit’s professional mission was presented by Dr Ferenc Szauter, Head of Department. In his introduction, he emphasised that the department builds on a research and innovation base developed over decades. These include projects such as a military off-road vehicle equipped with autonomous functions, the digital soldier concept, the defence industry application of 3D printing, the development of new composite protective coverings, and border surveillance drone and robot systems. The department also benefits from the unique national background of the University’s Radio Frequency Testing Laboratory, which supports the testing of both military and civilian devices. “This department is not a restart, but a concentration: we have brought together all our knowledge and experience into a single focus to serve our country’s security – both now and in the future,” said Dr Szauter.
In front of SZE’s Győr Innovation Park was exhibited the Komondor combat vehicle of Gamma Zrt., which researchers of the institution have equipped with autonomous vehicle functions. (Photo: András Adorján)
