Created: 2025.03.25. 14:54
Széchenyi István University actively involves both Hungarian and international students in its scientific activities, with many contributing to research and development as interns. Zaid Mursi and Akram Al Saify from Jordan, as well as Hasan Rafiul from Bangladesh, are studying on the English-taught, project-based Vehicle Engineering BSc programme at the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering. During their studies, all three support laboratory research at the Department of Vehicle Propulsion Technology.
The international student community at Széchenyi István University consists of nearly a thousand students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. The institution places great emphasis on research and development, strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Numerous scientific projects are underway at the Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering, which is well-regarded both nationally and internationally. The faculty’s English-taught, project-based Vehicle Engineering programme attracts students like Akram Al Saify and Stipendium Hungaricum scholars Zaid Mursi (Jordan) and Hasan Rafiul (Bangladesh). They were drawn to the University due to its strong collaboration with Audi and its extensive corporate network.
Among them, Zaid Mursi and Hasan Rafiul had previously used the laboratories at the Department of Vehicle Propulsion Technology for their Scientific Student’s Associations Conference (TDK) research papers, receiving professional support from faculty engineers. Their commitment to their research led to their selection for the National Scientific Student’s Associations Conference (OTDK), where they will represent their faculty at the Technical Sciences Section at the University of Debrecen in April.
Recognising their dedication and enthusiasm, as well as their strong professional interest, faculty members offered internship opportunities to both of them, and to Akram Al Saify as well. Akram and Zaid are now working at the Engine Testing Room under the mentorship of Gábor Nagy, while Hasan is contributing to research at the Surface Analysis and Tribology Laboratory, assisting Ádám István Szabó. Hasan had already demonstrated his talent at the Audi Development Camp last summer, where he was the top-performing participant among those from Hungarian universities.
Gábor Nagy, engineer at the department and head of the Engine Testing Laboratory, with Zaid Mursi (Jordan), Hasan Rafiul (Bangladesh), Akram Al Saify (Jordan), and assistant lecturer Ádám István Szabó from the Tribology Laboratory. (Photo: Máté Dudás)
“We learn an incredible amount from our work here, and I truly appreciate the level of independence expected from us. In the laboratory, I contribute to significant academic and industrial research projects while also having the opportunity to conduct my own research. This motivates me even more to pursue a career in science,” said Hasan Rafiul.
Akram Al Saify added that he is fulfilling a childhood dream by working on real-world automotive projects. As part of their internship, they analyse the performance and emissions of internal combustion engines running on different fuels. His fellow intern, Zaid Mursi, emphasised: “This experience equips us with valuable additional knowledge, giving us a competitive edge in our future careers. We are immensely grateful to our mentors, who provide us with all the support needed to become skilled professionals.”
