“You have gone through a difficult period and reached an important milestone: You have been admitted to one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Hungary and the region, which ranks among the world’s top 200 universities in the field of medicine and health sciences. You’ve worked hard for this; you were the cream of the crop, and now you’re ready to start a new chapter,” said Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University, addressing the first-year students at the ceremony marking the opening of the university’s 256th academic year. As the rector put it, the students faced a period that was not only incredibly challenging but also breathtakingly and upliftingly beautiful. “Over the coming semesters, our most outstanding faculty members will help you so that, by the end of the program, you will be able to navigate with confidence the field of medical and health sciences – a field that requires lifelong learning. I am convinced that you will feel that every minute, day, week, and month you have devoted to your studies – every hour you have spent in a lecture hall, library, or clinic – has been worth it a thousandfold,” he added.
Dr. Béla Merkely noted that the university was more than just its buildings, organizational units, and activities, rather, it became a living whole through the shared mission that bounded these elements together.
The three pillars of our mission – education, research and innovation, and healthcare – reinforce each other in serving the same purpose: gaining a deeper understanding of life, using our knowledge to improve it, and offering help when that balance is disrupted. We strive to improve and innovate and aim for excellence because the ultimate purpose of all our university’s activities is to serve our fellow human beings. – Dr. Béla Merkely
The rector pointed out that the university’s clinical portfolio had grown in recent years to encompass areas such as traumatology, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, catheter-based stroke care, and rheumatology and immunology care. “These developments are taking place across all our faculties and directly impact the lives of nearly every member of our university community, as well as improving working conditions. Expansion and renovation of clinics and theoretical institutes, the Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research (AICER), new campuses for the Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK) and the Faculty of Health and Public Administration (EKK), laboratories, state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, classrooms, and student spaces are among the recently completed or currently ongoing projects,” the rector highlighted.
He also spoke about how talent development programs were used to actively find and support the most promising students. He drew attention to the practice-oriented curricular reform. “Our philosophy is that acquiring a strong theoretical foundation and the countless hours spent at the bedside are what make a doctor outstanding,” he said.
He touched on international relations, citing the university’s partnerships with institutions such as the Karolinska Institute, the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, the University of Oxford, Heidelberg University, and the National University of Singapore. He extended a special welcome to students enrolled in the English and German-language programs, noting that they hailed from 130 countries worldwide. “I hope that you, our international students studying in Budapest, will view every day of your education as an opportunity to contribute to future successes. Your presence here means that we are creating global value, and that the ‘Semmelweis effect’ will continue extending beyond our national borders,” he said.
A total of 4,400 students are beginning their studies at Semmelweis University’s six faculties and Doctoral College. Approximately 2,850 of them are enrolled in Hungarian-language programs, nearly 1,200 in English-language programs, and more than 350 in German-language programs.
The first-year students took their oath in three languages while touching the original scepter crafted in 1772 for the university’s predecessor institution, the University of Nagyszombat (Trnava).
During the ceremony, Dr. Béla Merkely presented the Pro Universitate Awards and the Semmelweis University Outstanding Teacher Awards. Together with Dr. Attila Szabó, President of the Clinical Center, they presented the Semmelweis University Award for Excellent Healthcare Professional Teachers. Alongside Dr. László Frenyó, the Dean of McDaniel College, Rector Dr. Béla Merkely bestowed awards upon international students: The Professor Andor Szécsény Award, which recognizes participants in the English-language program, was presented to Ethar Zahir Mirghani Saeed. The Professor Attila Fonyó Award, which honors participants in the German-language programs, was given to Chiara Chloé Derksen this year.
“I am proud that you have joined us and become members of the Semmelweis Community. This ever-evolving community is diverse, enthusiastic, and close-knit – and that is precisely what gives it its value and uniqueness,” said Imre Richárd Nagy, President of the Students’ Union (HÖK), addressing the freshmen. He emphasized that at Semmelweis University, everyone had the opportunity to find their calling, reach their full potential, and work together to ensure that the university remained among the leading institutions in Hungary and Europe. Both the university and HÖK aim to provide students with the best possible assistance in academic, social, and personal matters, he noted. “Don’t just focus on the goal ahead of you; appreciate the journey along the way as well. Embrace the power of collaboration, empathy, and knowledge sharing because these values drive us forward. Be active members of the university community. Get involved in public affairs, the arts, science, and sports because these activities will enrich your lives and help you become more well-rounded,” he told his fellow students.
Gallery
Next, the list of students who had been awarded the National Higher Education Scholarship for the upcoming academic year was announced.
The Opening Ceremony also featured screenings of several university-themed short films, as well as performances by the Semmelweis University Choir and the Medic Orchestra.
Pálma Dobozi
Translation: Judit Dőtsch
Photos by Bálint Barta, Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
