Israeli Ambassadorial Delegation Visits the University of Pécs

Adrián Fábián, Rector of the University of Pécs, received Maja Kadosh, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Hungary, and her companion Orna Mager, an international expert specialising in the field of Learning Cities, in his office on 23 September 2026. The meeting was also attended by Norbert Sipos, Deputy Director of the International Centre at the University of Pécs. 

Adrián Fábián gave a brief overview of the history of Pécs and the University, as well as its faculties and international networks. He highlighted that among the approximately 6,000 international students at the University of Pécs, 35 Israeli students are currently studying at the institution. 

Maja Kadosh praised the University of Pécs's outstanding achievements on the international stage, particularly in energy studies, natural sciences and engineering. She added that Israel is actively seeking opportunities for cooperation in these fields. 

According to the Ambassador, cooperation between Israeli and certain European universities has become more challenging since 7 October 2023. Ms Kadosh noted that in the current climate, Hungary's importance to Israeli universities has increased. The Israeli side wishes to explore prospects for closer research collaboration, as well as student and academic staff exchanges. The Ambassador stated that this requires both an openness towards Israel and a strong academic partner; in her assessment, Hungary and the University of Pécs satisfy both conditions. 

Orna Mager presented a concrete opportunity for the cooperation outlined by the Ambassador, introducing the Learning City model she developed in Modi'in, Israel. She explained that the city aims to establish a branch campus for a renowned university, focusing primarily on natural sciences and high-tech fields. She invited representatives from the University of Pécs to Modi'in to learn more about the city's operations, development plans, and technological and start-up initiatives, whilst proposing discussions on potential university partnership. 

Adrián Fábián identified the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Pécs as potential collaborative partners, offering to connect the delegation with faculty representatives. He emphasised that strengthening innovation aligns closely with the university’s strategic objectives.