Semmelweis University remembered its namesake, Ignác Semmelweis, on the eve of the 193rd anniversary of his birth. Fittingly, the commemorations commenced at Ignác Semmelweis’s birth house, now the Semmelweis Museum, Library and Archives of the History of Medicine.
Among those in attendance were Dr. András Jávor, State Secretary at the Ministry of National Resources, Rector Tivadar Tulassay, and Rector Emeritus Péter Sótonyi.
In his ceremonial address, Dr. Nándor Ács, assistant professor and vice-director of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, pointed to the enduring importance of Semmelweis’s life-long work, and the lessons this may hold for us in the current year, which has been declared “the Year of Research and Innovation” at Semmelweis University. Referring to the University’s “Research University” designation, he stated that “this title obliges us to treat research work as a priority at all University institutes and departments, no matter how narrow our framework or how great the strain of our daily problems may be, and to pass on the “key of science” to anyone who comes forward with a new and innovative idea, so as not to repeat the error of Ignác Semmelweis’s contemporaries in their lack of understanding toward new discoveries and novel proposals.
The commemoration continued at Ignác Semmelweis’s statue in the Inner Clinical Campus, where Dr. Péter Nyirády, associate professor and vice-director of the Department of Urology spoke about Dr. Semmelweis’s life work.
Following the address, wreaths of remembrance were laid in front of the statue by Rector Tivadar Tulassay and Dr. Péter Nyirády; Deputy Mayor Mrs. Péter Sántha; Dr. János Gerle, Vice President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber; Dr. Emil Monos, President of the Association of Friends of Semmelweis University and Dr. László Molnár, Head Archivist. Representatives of the Students’ Self Government and the Instructor Self-Active Group also paid their respects.
The closing ceremony of the 241st academic year, held in NET Theoretical Building’s ceremonial hall, marked the end of the celebrations. The event drew a large number of attendees, including Deputy Mayor Tamás Szentes, Dr. Béla Szalma, director-general of the Association of Hungarian Medical Societies (MOTESZ), and Dr. János Gerle. In his opening address, Rector Tivadar Tulassay emphasised that “today, our world is characterised by renewal and competition, but a nation cannot be competitive, if it fails to consider the grooming of a new national elite and middle class to be of utmost importance”. He also highlighted that some 2500 German students are interested in attending Semmelweis University, which is a university in itself. The ceremonial address was held by Dr. Róbert Langer, director of the Department of Transplantation and Surgery.
The presentation of awards and distinctions constituted the final part of the ceremony. The first Semmelweis Media Award, established to recognise outstanding performance in health and science-related journalism and public awareness communications was presented to Ms. Adrienne Farkas, journalist for the Hungarian daily Magyar Nemzet. Ms. Zsófia Tóth, reporter for the Hungarian Catholic Radio, received the special prize.
Five outgoing University department directors – Dr. Klára Gyires (Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy), Dr. Péter Kupcsulik (1st Department of Surgery), Dr. Ildikó Tarján (Department of Paedodontics and Orthodontics), Dr. József Tihanyi (Department of Biomechanics), and Dr. Antal Czinner (Department of Family Care Methodology) – received golden signet rings in appreciation for their work and dedication.
The ceremony ended with the appointment of new university officials, the presentation of Professor Emerita and Emeritus titles, the Pro Universitate prize, and various ministerial awards, the appointment of associate professors, the presentation of “excellent worker” distinctions, official rector’s, dean’s and director-general’s praises, habilitation qualifications, and, finally, the presentation of foundation awards.
(Translated by Gina Gönczi)
