Dr. Attila Szabó
Vice-Rector
Name, date of birth, marital status
Attila József Szabó (b. May 12, 1969) married, father of two children (Gréta, Márton), married to Dr. Veronika Müller, professor, PhD, Director of the Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University.
Studies, study trips
- 1983-1987 János Berze Nagy High School, Gyöngyös
- 1988-1994 Semmelweis Medical University, Faculty of General Medicine, Diploma: “summa cum laude”
- 1995-1997 Department of Hypertension and Nephrology, University of Essen, Germany, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship
- 2000 Specialization exam in pediatrics (Diploma No. 806/2000)
- 2001-2002 West Virginia University, Morgantown, Institute of Physiology, USA, NIH (National Institutes of Health) Fellowship
- 2006 Specialization exam in Nephrology (Diploma No. 910/2006)
- 2010-2012 Health Care Specialist Manager (Diploma No.: M-16/2012), School of Health Care Management, Semmelweis University
- 2014 Licence examination in Hypertension (Certificate No.: 446/2014)
- 2014 Licence examination in sleep medicine (Certificate No.: 845/2014)
- 2024 Specialization exam in pediatric emergency medicine (Certificate No.: 311/2024)
Scientific degrees, scientific titles
- 2000 Semmelweis University Doctoral School Doctoral Diploma (PhD) (Diploma No.: 314, 11.11.2000.)
- 2008 Hungarian Academy of Sciences Doctoral degree (Certificate No.: 4800, 21.11.2008)
- 2010 Semmelweis University Habilitation (Certificate No.: 310, 07.06.2010)
Current job and positions
Semmelweis University Pediatric Center (formerly: 1st Department of Pediatrics):
- 1994-2000 Clinical Physician
- 2000-2004 Assistant Lecturer
- 2004-2009 Assistant Professor
- Since 2009 Associate Professor
- Since 2013 Director, Associate Professor
- Since 2014 Director, Professor (from October 10)
- 2016-2018 Acting Vice-Chairman of the Semmelweis University Clinical Center (from July 1), General Vice-Chairman between January 16, 2017 and July 1, 2018
- Since 2018 Vice Rector for Clinical Affairs of Semmelweis University, President of the Clinical Center (from July 1)
- Since 2023 Director of the Pediatric Center (Bókay and Tűzoltó Street Departments) of Semmelweis University
Guest research, guest teaching (>3 months)
- 1995-1997 (27 months) Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Essen
DAAD German Academic Exchange Service
Activity, topic: Investigation of factors influencing long-term survival of transplanted kidney - 2001-2002 (20 months) West Virginia University Morgantown, Institute of Physiology
Sponsor: NIH National Institutes of Health
Activity, Topic: Role of nitric oxide in the progression of kidney disease
Scientific prizes and awards
- 1998 Support for Research Abroad
Awarded by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Citation for development of laboratory equipment for molecular biology machines - 1999 Géza Petényi Competition 1st Prize
Awarded by: Hungarian Paediatric Society
Citation for scientific work - 1999 József Farkas Prize “Veritas et Virtus”
Awarded by: ”Veritas et Virtus” Foundation
Citation for scientific work - 2000 Zoltán Magyary Postdoctoral Scholarship
Awarded by: Ministry of Education
Citation for research achievements - 2001 Gedeon Richter Research Award
Awarded by: Gedeon Richter Prize Board of Trustees
Citation for scientific work - 2001 ”Best Publication Award”
Awarded by: Hungarian Society of Nephrology
Citation for international publication - 2002 János Bolyai Postdoctoral Fellowship
Awarded by: Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Citation for scientific work, receiving Outstanding Achievement Academic Diploma - 2003 László Hársing Prize
Awarded by: the Hungarian Kidney Foundation
Citation for scientific work - 2004 Ernő Jendrassik Prize
Awarded by: Semmelweis University
Citation for scientific work - 2006 János Bolyai Postdoctoral Fellowship
Awarded by: Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Citation for scientific work - 2012-2015 Semmelweis University Merit Award
Awarded by: Semmelweis University
Citation for scientific work - 2014 Pro Salute Hominum
Awarded by: Astellas Pharma
Citation for supporting the Young Investigator Programme - 2015 Outstanding TDK Educator Award
Awarded by: Semmelweis University
Citation for educational work within the Students’ Scientific Association - 2017 Master Teacher Gold Medal
Awarded by: National Council of Scientific Students (OTDT)
Citation for supporting students’ academic activities - 2018 Kerpel Memorial Plaque
Awarded by: Semmelweis University
Citation for talent management - 2022 Honorary Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, civilian category
Citation for clinical and scientific work, teaching and talent activity, leadership and organisation - 2024 Schoepf-Merei Memorial Medal
Awarded by: Hungarian Pediatrician Society (MGYT)
Citation for outstanding accomplishments in profession and professional policy in the fields of pediatrics and child healthcare, and engagement in the work of MGYT - 2024 Honorary member of the Association of Primary Care Pediatricians (HGYE)
Awarded by the Association of Primary Care Pediatricians
Citation for decades of professional support offered to primary care pediatricians
Grants in the last 5 years
- VEKOP-2.3.3.-15 Investigation of nanoscale biological structure, interaction and modes of motion (technical leader).
- MTA-SE Paediatrics and Nephrology Research Group 2017-2022 (participating researcher and leader).
- EFOP-3.4.4-16-2017-00026 Semmelweis University and the Foundation for Research Students National Talent Development Program Series in Medicine and Health Sciences 01.09.2017 – 31.08.2020 (Programme Leader).
- EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00009 Development of scientific workshops for the training of doctors, health scientists and pharmacists (01.05.2017-2021.11.30.).
- TKP2019 Thematic Programme of Excellence 2019 – Translational BIOtechnology (01.05.2019-30.06.2019) (Research Sub-theme Leader).
- FIKP2019 – Programme of Excellence in Higher Education Institutions 2019 (01.05.2019 – 30.06.2019) (technical leader).
- 10541-4/2019/EGST – Upgrading and development of infrastructure and instrumentation at screening centre level for the introduction of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) (01.03.2019 – 31.12.2019)
- STIA-KFI-2020 – “Impact of Extracellular vesicles on the efficiency of peritoneal dialysis” (01.12.2020 – 30.06.2020)
- H-UNCOVER – Representative survey in the fight against coronavirus (01.05.2020 – 16.05.2020) (technical leader)
- TKP2021-EGA-24 Molecular Biology – Research Excellence in Molecular Medicine at Semmelweis University (2021.08.01-2025.12.31.) (Leader)
- GYDIAB 21-11 MI2021GYKI “Developmental support for paediatric diabetes centres to improve the well-being and well-being of children with type 1 diabetes and their families” (01.09.2021 – 31.12.2021) (Theme leader)
- GYDIAB 20-13 “Developmental support for paediatric diabetes centres to improve the well-being and well-being of children with type 1 diabetes and their families” (05.07.2020 – 30.06.2020) (Theme Leader)
- MTA-SE Paediatrics and Nephrology Research Group (2022-2027) (Project leader)
- OTKA- 142728, Investigation of new therapeutic options in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis 2022-2025 (Project leader)
National and international collaborations
- Semmelweis University Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology (Zoltán Prohászka)
- Semmelweis University Department of Pulmonology (Veronika Müller)
- Department of Nephrology, Transplant Center IKEM, Prague, Czech Republic (Ondrej Viklicky)
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Germany (Uwe Heemann)
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Medicine, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. (János Peti-Peterdi)
- Department of Nephrology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Germany (Jens Lutz)
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Heidelberg, Germany (Claus Schmitt)
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Heidelberg, Germany (Burkhard Tönshoff)
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paediatric Nephrology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (Krisztina Rusai)
Positions
Current
- Semmelweis University Doctoral College International Relations Group: member (since 2006)
- Semmelweis University Ödön Kerpel-Fronius Talent Council: member (since 2007), secretary (2009-2024), president (since 2024)
- Member of the Hungarian Paediatric Nephrology Association (since 2009), secretary general
- Semmelweis University Habilitation Committee: member (since 2010), secretary (2012-2018)
- European Paediatric Society Educational Committee: member (since 2011)
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences Doctoral Committee I: member (since 2012)
- Nephrology Professional Committee: member (since 2012)
- Scientific Committee of the European Academy of Pediatrics, European Academy of Nephrology: member (since 2012)
- Hungarian Rectors’ Conference Standing Committee on Talent Management: member (since 2013)
- János Bolyai Research Scholarship Board of Trustees: expert (2014-2016), member of the Disciplinary College (2016-2024)
- ETC Human Reproduction Committee: member (since 2014)
- Semmelweis University Public Procurement Standing Committee: member (since 2017)
- Infant and Pediatric Professional Commitee: chair (since 2019)
- the Sleep Medicine Professional Committee: member (since 2019)
- MTA Division V Medical Sciences, Member of the Assembly; Member of the Clinical Scientific Committee (since 2022)
- MTA Division V Scientific Committee, Member (since 2023)
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Committee: chair (since 2024)
Former
- Semmelweis University Rector’s Evaluation Committee: member (2007-2011)
- OTKA Clinical Division: Jury member (2008-2011)
- Zoltán Magyary Postdoctoral Fellowship and Ányos Jedlik PhD Candidate Fellowship: pre-decision expert (2012-2013)
- University of Pécs University Habilitation and Habilitation Examination Committee: external member (2013-2021)
- Education and Credit Committee at the Faculty of Medicine: clinical faculty member (2013-2016)
- Board of Family Medicine: member until 2014
- Semmelweis University Professional Training Committee member (2016-2019)
- National Research, Development and Innovation Office, expert (2017-2019)
- Member and President of the Board of the College of Infant and Paediatrics (2017-2020)
Memberships in professional societies
- Hungarian Society of Paediatricians (board member)
- Hungarian Society of Nephrology
- Hungarian Paediatric Nephrology Association (secretary general)
- Hungarian Hypertension Society
- Hungarian Transplantation Society (board member)
- Hungarian Lung Society
- Hungarian Sleep Society
- Hungarian Aferezis Society
- European Society for Paediatric Nephrology
- International Pediatric Nephrology Association
- European Respiratory Society
- European Society for Pediatric Clinical Research
Educational activity
- Semmelweis University Department of Pediatrics, Graduate education (practical and theoretical) in Hungarian, German, and English
- Infant and Pediatrics residency and postgraduate training (residency and specialist training): regular lectures and practical training
- Postgraduate training in nephrology: regular theoretical and practical training
- Regularly preparing participants of the Students’ Scientific Conference (TDK)
Doctoral training
- Program director: Prevention of chronic diseases in children program at the Rácz Károly Conservative Medicine Division (since 2014)
- Topic leader: Pathomechanisms, genetic background and therapy of chronic allograft nephropathy; Pediatric Long COVID syndrome
- Supervision: 5 students obtained degrees (full supervision of four students and partial supervision of one person), three graduates, three doctoral students.
- Scholarships and study visits organized for Students’ Scientific Conference (TDK) contestants and PhD students to the Medical University of Freiburg; Medical University of Heidelberg; Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Sleep & Alertness Clinic & Sleep Research Laboratory, Toronto Western Hospital
Examiner
- Specialist examiner in infant and paediatrics
- Specialist examiner in pediatrics emergency medicine
- Specialist examiner in nephrology
- Licensed examiner in Sleep Medicine (Somnology)
Clinical activity
- Pediatric nephrology and transplant clinic management. Care of children on dialysis and kidney transplantation
- Founder, organiser and director of a pediatric sleep diagnostic and therapeutic laboratory
- Consultant for chronic, end-stage and renal transplanted children on the national and international level
Scientific activity
- Head of research group in the Nephrology Research Laboratory at the Pediatric Center of Semmelweis University. Research topics:
- Gender differences in the progression of renal disease
- Study of the pathomechanism of ischemia/reperfusion renal failure
- Pathomechanism of chronic allograft nephropathy
- Investigation of risk factors in renal transplant recipients
- Investigation of sleep disorders in childhood
- Organizer of scientific lectures at the then 1st Department of Pediatrics of Semmelweis University between 2002 and 2010
Reviewer
Regular reviewer for Pediatric Nephrology, Journal of Physiology, Pediatric Transplantation, Hypertension and Nephrology and Medical Weekly.
Publication activity (as of February 24, 2025)
- Number of scientific and educational publications: 688
- Number of independent citations: 4,414
- Total citations: 5,144
- Book editing: 4, textbook chapters: 27, other book and note chapters: 25 in Hungarian and foreign languages: 1, conference proceedings: 3
- Other scientific works: 162
- Hirsch index: 39, independent H-index: 36
Public benefit activity
- Bókay Children’s Hospital Charitable Foundation: chairman of the Board of Trustees
- Őrzők Foundation: member of the Board of Trustees
- Dr. Márer Vera Prize: chairman of the Board of Trustees
- Ottó Simon Research Prize: chairman of the Board of Trustees
- Gond-oldd-meg Foundation: founder
Other
- Medikusok a zongoránál (‘Medical Students at the Piano’) music CD: producer
- Successful completion of Budapest-Bamako Rally 2010
Science Metrics: List of Dr. Attila Szabó’s publications in the Hungarian Database of Scientific Works →