Semmelweis University and Heidelberg University reviewed the most important points of the successful partnership of over thirty years and discussed the current and potential future forms of cooperation, as well as any necessary changes during a two-day meeting. Dr. Dieter W. Heermann, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Dr. Peter Schirmacher, Rector’s Commissioner, and a four-member high-level delegation accompanying them arrived in Budapest from Heidelberg University.
The most important objective of the meeting was to define the common points of cooperation and fields of expertise that serve the interests of both partners. The German delegation was received at the Senate Hall by Rector Béla Merkely, who defined the purpose of the meeting as identifying areas and specific thematic projects that can provide a solid basis for a joint cooperation programme for the next five years, in accordance with the requirements and aspirations of today’s modern age.
The ceremonial opening was followed by thematic module discussions. Dr. Péter Ferdinandy, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations, and Dr. Gyula Szigeti, associate professor at the Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, presented the main areas of scientific and innovative activity at Semmelweis University and talked about possible connection points between the two institutions, including the planned Science Park projects.
With regard to student and teacher exchange and the Jellinek Harry Scholarship programmes, the parties discussed the experience gained so far as well as the expandability of the system. In this module, former Jellinek Scholarship students who attended Heidelberg University also had the opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions. The next module discussion was moderated by Dr. András Kiss, Rector’s Commissioner for German Relations, Director of the 2nd Department of Pathology, and Dr. Zoltán Benyó, Director of the Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, and, Dr. Peter Schirmacher, Rector’s Commissioner, and Dr. Hans-Günther Sonntag, Honorary Dean of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, initiator of Heidelberg-Budapest relations. The parties agreed, among others, that the Jellinek Harry Scholarship should now be available to PhD students of Semmelweis University’s Doctoral School. Until now, only fifth-year medical students could apply.
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Afterwards, the partners exchanged views on the possibilities of expanding the framework of the cooperation as well as training issues. Dr. Miklós Kellermayer, Dean-Elect of the Faculty of Medicine, Director of the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, presented in detail the curriculum development programme of Semmelweis University. Following that, the parties discussed the similarities and differences between the curricula of the two universities as well as further development opportunities.
Other members of the Semmelweis University delegation included Dr. Attila Szabó, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs, Director of the 1st Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Veronika Müller, Rector’s Commissioner of the Foreign Students’ Secretariat, Director of the Department of Pulmonology. Dr. Marcel Pop, Director for International Relations, and Ms. Judit Szlovák, German Project Coordinator at the Directorate of International Relations, as well as former Jellinek Harry Scholarship students were also present. The German delegation included Dr. Dieter W. Heermann, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Dr. Claus Peter Schmitt, Professor at the Paediatric Clinic, Dr. Marcell Tóth, resident doctor at the Institute of Pathology, and Ms. Katharina Reinhardt, representative of the Directorate for International Affairs.
Semmelweis University’s German Language Programme was launched 36 years ago, in 1983, in the same year as the institution entered into a contract with Heidelberg University and the University of Freiburg. Negotiations with German universities were initiated by Harry Jellinek, former head of the 2nd Department of Pathology. In the 1970s and 1980s, the professor led Semmelweis University’s delegation at the negotiations on cooperation agreements with the universities of Heidelberg, Freiburg and Berlin.
During the more than 30 years since the signing of the partnership agreement, the most diverse forms of cooperation between the two parties have been successfully implemented, such as project-level collaboration in joint research projects, scientific collaboration, direct professional cooperation between institutes and clinics, student and teacher exchange, as well as the organization of joint professional events.
At the end of the two-day conference, the leaders of the two universities summarized the experience gained during the meeting and identified the most important points and tasks of the joint cooperation programme for the next five years. Both parties considered the meeting particularly useful and fruitful and emphasized the importance of maintaining and further developing this special cooperation and excellent professional relationship.
Judit Szlovák – Directorate of International Relations
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University; Directorate of International Relations
Translation: Diána Módos
