Over 200 people receive university awards on Semmelweis Day

More than 200 Semmelweis citizens have been recognized with awards during the ceremony on Semmelweis Day. Due to the pandemic last year, people awarded on the occasion of the Hungarian Revolution on 15th March also received their awards on this day. The event at the Theoretical Building in Nagyvárad Square was opened by dr. Béla Merkely. The rector expressed his gratitude to the staff and students of Semmelweis University who have played an active role in fighting coronavirus. He also mentioned that he has always considered this period an important milestone in the history of the university.

“The 250th anniversary of the foundation of Semmelweis University turned out to be a major milestone, just as we thought from the beginning. This has been a historical period that will determine our future in the long term!”, said dr. Béla Merkely in his opening speech at the Semmelweis Day’s opening ceremony.

The rector reminded that the 250th year anniversary period started with the opening ceremony on September 6th, 2019 and would have ended with Semmelweis Day in 2020. However, a decision was made on the extension of the anniversary period in order to properly celebrate the 250th school year and to organize events that had to be cancelled during pandemic.

The rector added that there are numerous things reminding us of the anniversary year such as the subway station named Semmelweis Clinics, the Semmelweis Eurocity train going to Vienna or the “Semmelweis Egyetem” (Semmelweis University) sign on top of the Nagyvárad tér Theoretical Building. Various anniversary events have become a tradition. At the same time we have started to build the university of the next quarter millenium – added the rector.

Dr. Béla Merkely also mentioned that there has been a reform concerning the curriculum of three programs (medicine, dentistry and pharmaceutical sciences) and other areas of the educational portfolio. The reform determines the skills students have to acquire in order to become the healthcare professionals of the future. The development program “Semmelweis XXI.” is an important step in building the university of the future. This project includes the development of education, research and clinical patient care and the renewal of the university’s infrastructure. The decision on the model change was made by the Senate during the anniversary period, which will come into force on 1st August. The model change enables a flexible structure, which is a good base for further development.

“All the steps mentioned above contribute to achieving our primary goal to be ranked within the top 100 higher education institutions of the world and within the 5 best medical universities in Europe”, emphasized the rector.

The anniversary year has become a turning point due to an unexpected event. The original events planned on the occasion of the anniversary year had to be reorganized due to the outbreak of the epidemic last year. At the same time, I am convinced that there could not have been a better tribute to our university’s 250th year anniversary, than proving that we can overcome all the challenges posed by the epidemic. Just like our ancestors, we have stood up to to lead the way in fighting the epidemic and serve the interests of the Hungarian population

– added the rector.

Semmelweis University has become stronger after the recent period, and all Semmelwesi citizens could experience the power of real cooperation more than ever. He emphasized that without the help of the Semmelweis community, the university could not have achieved such results. They also play an important role in developing and maintaining a long-term strategy and vision.

“I would like to express my gratitude to each and every student and staff of Semmelweis University who have demonstrated resilience, commitment and hard work in fighting the coronavirus. Our colleagues and students recognized that they have huge responsibility as healthcare professionals working at the leading university of medical and health sciences in Hungary and the Central European region”, pointed out the rector.

He also thanked everyone who actively helped organizing the 250th year anniversary events before and during the pandemic.

Dr. Béla Merkely mentioned that a brand new, 250 page English-Hungarian book was published on Semmelweis Day to commemorate this anniversary period. Prize winners all received a copy of the special book, which aims to introduce the special events connected to research, development and innovation. The edition also lists outstanding results and commemorates the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

After the opening speech, the Pro Universitate award (the most prestigious recognition granted by the university) was handed out for first time this year. The award recognizes excellent work contributing to the enhancement of the Hungarian and international reputation, developing and achieving goals of Semmelweis University. The award winners’ professional career proved that they are worthy of this recognition. The first lifetime achievement award of Semmelweis University was granted to Veronika Müller (Director of the Department of Pulmonology) in recognition of her outstanding performance during the fight against COVID-19.

The full list of award winners can be viewed in the Hungarian article. The list features Semmelweis citizens who have been awarded on Semmelweis Day. Due to the pandemic last year, people recognized on the occasion of the Hungarian Revolution on 15th March also received their awards on this day.