“The shared past of ELTE and Semmelweis University are of special importance to both institutions. As a sign of strengthening the close ties between the two universities and their rectors, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the foundation of Semmelweis University, ELTE is offering the free use of the Botanical Gardens to students and staff of Semmelweis,” said Dr. László Borhy upon offering this symbolic gift, at an event attended by the leaders of the two universities and Dr. László Orlóci, the director of the ELTE Botanical Gardens. The gardens represent the shared connections, the common roots of the two institutions, as well as that the already excellent ties between them will strengthen further with this gift, the rector added. He noted that students will be able to enter the Botanical Gardens free of charge by showing their student IDs, while university workers will have to show their employee badges.
In thanking the gift, Semmelweis University rector Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized that it is the shared goal of ELTE and Semmelweis that Hungarian universities be among the top institutions of higher education in Europe, and this common goal cannot be reached without cooperation between the two traditionally dominant Hungarian universities. The rector also noted that Semmelweis University, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, is open to further strengthening ties between the two institutions.
Following the handover of the symbolic anniversary gift, the rectors and vice-rectors of the two universities held talks on further opportunities for strategic cooperation between the two universities.
Zsófia Haszon-Nagy
Translation: Tamás Deme
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
