Author: dobos.daniel

Young Researcher’s Academy for Sustainable Cities
Coimbra Experience Report 2025

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Sustainable Cities is becoming a tradition. The first event was hosted in Gyulafehérvár in 2023, the second at Óbuda University in Székesfehérvár in 2024, and the third in this series took place at the Portuguese ISEC Coimbra – University of Technology in April 2025.

The hosts limited participation to five students from Hungary, so selection was made from a large number of applicants. Students from almost all faculties programs were represented, each contributing their specific knowledge and perspective to the success of the project.

The professional programme included lectures and laboratory visits led by university professors from five different countries. However, the core component was a practical group project: students worked in teams of four, conducted fieldwork, and developed proposals to improve sustainability based on the assessment of a selected road section.

The online phase of the programme was dedicated to introductions and the initial distribution of assignments, while the on-site intensive phase focused on fieldwork with personal participation. Finally, the closing online phase provided space for presentations and evaluations of the projects.

One participant shared their personal experience as follows:

“I was very happy when I saw the email about the opportunity to participate in a BIP, especially when my application was accepted. Since I had taken part in such a programme before, I had a good idea of what to expect. Most of the programme took place in Coimbra, Portugal, at ISEC University.

As there is no airport in Coimbra, we flew to Porto and travelled by bus, and we returned via Lisbon. Other universities also participated, including those from Romania, Slovakia, and, of course, Portugal.

We spent five days in Coimbra and had a varied programme each day. The weather was very good. The main theme was sustainable cities, and we attended several lectures held by international professors. In the afternoons, we explored the city, tasted traditional Portuguese pastries, and listened to local music.

One day, we visited the ocean and even went surfing – a total surprise to me, as I never imagined we would actually try it! It was a fantastic experience, and more difficult than I expected.

We also spent evenings in the city centre, which had a great atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed that Coimbra was less touristy than Porto or Lisbon – it felt more authentic. I liked it so much that I’d love to return – not just to Coimbra, but to Portugal in general.”

Beyond the professional content, the programme offered valuable interpersonal experiences. Participants not only expanded their knowledge but also made new friends and look forward to future BIP opportunities.

This year’s Hungarian delegation included Nagyné Dr. Hajnal Éva and Dr. Udvardy Péter, both Associate Professors, as well as students Balázs Zoltán, Farkas Roland, Gáti Krisztián, Székely Benedek, Szücs Norbert, and our students currently studying in Portugal within the Pannonia Programme.

Szücs Norbert-Hajnal Éva

From March 17 to 22, 2025, faculty members from Óbuda University Alba Regia Faculty, namely Dr. Éva Hajnal, Dr. Márta Seebauer, and Dr. Péter Udvardy, visited Ulm University of Applied Sciences. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Marc-Oliver Otto, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical, Natural Sciences, and Energy Management. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen international relations and facilitate knowledge exchange for Alba Regia Faculty.

During the visit, our professors had the opportunity to engage with faculty members from various departments, explore the faculty’s educational programs, research projects, and industrial and research laboratories. We also met with Stephanie Wagner, Director of the International Office; Prof. Ben Dippe, Vice Dean and Director of the Management and Entrepreneurship Center; Prof. Dr. Walter Commerell, Director of the Institute for Energy Technology; Prof. Dr. Hubert Mantz, from the Institute of Applied Natural Sciences; and Prof. Dr. Thomas Walter, from the Institute of Mechatronics.

We had the chance to explore several fascinating sustainability projects, including autonomous mobile robots and UAV aerial photography. Additionally, we visited the university’s High-Tech Energy Park, where we tested a mobile, solar-powered cooking unit. Furthermore, we gained insight into the research activities of the Science Park adjacent to the university.

The visit took place in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with our hosts organizing city tours and gastronomic experiences in the afternoons. We hope that this initial contact will pave the way for a long-term collaboration between our institutions.

On Friday, March 14, Bálint Farkas held a fascinating robotics lab demonstration, which was met with great enthusiasm by the Finnish delegation! The guests arrived from Kemi, the twin city of Székesfehérvár, and were highly impressed by the outstanding facilities of Alba Regia Faculty.

They particularly appreciated the modern lecture halls, the high-tech laboratories, and the excellent learning environment available to our students. We believe their visit will help promote the excellence of Hungarian higher education and the Alba Regia Faculty internationally.

#AlbaRegiaFaculty #RoboticsLab #FinnishDelegation #Innovation #HigherEducation #TwinCities

We are delighted to welcome our guests from Uzbekistan’s Central Asian University in Tashkent, who are participating in a three-week project at the Industrial Robotics Laboratory of the Óbuda University Alba Regia Faculty.

During the program, students will face real industrial challenges and have the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge in an international environment. In our industrial robotics lab, they will work with cutting-edge technologies that play a key role in industrial automation and robotics.

We hope that our guests will gain valuable experience and lasting memories during these three weeks and that the cooperation between our university and the Central Asian University will continue to grow in the future.

On January 29, 2025, a webinar on “Dual Education: A Win-Win Model for Students, Universities, and Industry” was held at the “Economics” Faculty of “TIIAME” National Research University. The guest speaker, Dr. Monika Pogatsnik from Óbuda University, Hungary, shared insights on the benefits of the dual education system.

The event took place at the TIIAME” National Research University in Tashkent, Üzbekistan, involving undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers. Several students from other universities in Tashkent also participated.

The discussion covered study opportunities at Óbuda University, the increasing number of international students, and the benefits of studying in Hungary. Participants received valuable information and answers to their questions.

These types of international webinars not only inform but also motivate students to improve their skills, explore study opportunities abroad, and engage in global academic communities.

Bertalan Beszédes, lecturer at Óbuda University, participated in the January 23-25, 2025. at the IEEE 23nd World Symposium on Applied Machine Intelligence and Informatics (SAMI2025) international conference held in Stará Lesna, Slovakia. https://conf.uni-obuda.hu/sami2025

The title of his article presented at the conference is “Design of a Cost-efficient Uniaxial Solar Tracking Charge Controller”. The article focuses on the design and development of a low-cost single-axis solar tracking charge controller, aimed at maximizing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, with the current boundary conditions. Further goal of the study is to show a well usable demonstration device for engineering educational purposes, in the field of electronics and embedded systems.

The conference covered many topics, including the fields of intelligent robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and education. The event was supported by several well-known organizations, including Kassai University of Technology, Óbuda University, and IEEE Hungary.

ESN is a non-profit student organisation which works directly with the international, exchange and local students in order to further the aims and fulfil the mission of ESN by focusing on integrating international students in the local community with the help of the local students.

Why should you apply?

Next to the fact that you’re going to be a member of a great team, you can meet new people from different cultures. If you like foreign languages then it’s all the more suitable for you!

Here, you’re going to have the opportunity to develop your skills and widen your knowledge to a professional level while you’ll not even notice that you’re learning.

Aaaand if until now, you didn’t have the opportunity to go abroad, that’s not a problem, because the other countries are coming to you. So why would you not try it?

We are waiting for you with open arms!

There are three ways you can help us:

• As a buddy, in this case there is no obligation, you simply have the opportunity to make friends with the international students who come to our university
• As a mentor, where your main task is to help and integrate students coming to and studying at our university in the framework of the international exchange programme
• As a board member or coordinator, if you want to challenge yourself and work with a team of your own

• If we have convinced you, you can apply to us:
• https://linktr.ee/esn.obuda
• If you are interested in more than one, please fill in out the relevant forms on the linktree link.

Deadline: 24th of January, 23:59

If you have any questions about the application, please contact us at the e-mail address below.

ESN Óbuda University Board & Coordinators
board@obuda.esn.hu
obuda.esn.hu

We were delighted to welcome representatives from Karshi University who visited our faculty to explore our educational and research activities. During their stay, our guests had the opportunity to learn about the work carried out in our Industrial Robotics Labs, the Industry 4.0 Laboratory, and the Geoinformatics Institute. Our colleagues introduced them to ongoing innovative projects, cutting-edge developments, and technological solutions.

These international visits provide an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing, fostering new ideas, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. We thank our visitors for their interest and engaging discussions!

📸 Here are some highlights from the visit!

Students from the Alba Regia Faculty of Óbuda University, specializing in engineering informatics, electrical engineering, technical management, and mechanical engineering, recently participated in a study visit to the Audi Hungaria plant in Győr.

This factory tour, now a well-established tradition, offered students a comprehensive introduction to the plant’s history, structure, key vehicle manufacturing processes, and applied technologies through an engaging presentation. The factory’s commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency was also highlighted.

During the visit, students explored the Body Shop, where they observed various forming and assembly techniques, logistics processes, and quality assurance procedures. They also had the opportunity to witness industrial robots operating within manufacturing cells.

As a special highlight at the end of the tour, students participating in Audi’s internship program showcased a vehicle they had worked on, demonstrating a control program they helped develop.
https://audi.hu/en/visit-the-factory.html