For Science, Which “Cannot Stop at the Door of the Laboratory”

This year, the traditional Szentágothai Day was held for the thirteenth time, beginning in an unusual way with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The event on 10 November took place at the University of Pécs Szentágothai Research Centre, where Dr Ferenc Jakab, former Vice-Rector for Innovation of the University of Pécs and Director of the National Virology Laboratory, had also carried out his scientific work. From now on, a lasting plaque worthy of his dedication and outstanding achievements will inspire future researchers.

“A rector has many duties, but these are the kinds of tasks one would gladly give up… it is incomprehensible that he is no longer with us […] his absence is irreplaceable,” recalled Dr Attila Miseta, Rector of the University of Pécs, in his speech, as he and Dr Gábor Kemenesi, Head of the National Laboratory of Virology, bowed their heads together in honour of the distinguished virologist and unveiled the commemorative plaque. The Rector reflected on the work they had shared and expressed his gratitude to all who made the commemoration possible.

“It is deeply moving that so many people have come […] This plaque means far more than the memory of Dr Ferenc Jakab; what he left behind is of lasting value,” added Dr Gábor Kemenesi, remembering his predecessor, colleague and friend. Dr József Kern, Managing Director of Diagon Ltd., who supported not only the professional work of Dr Ferenc Jakab but also the creation of the plaque, also addressed the attendees.

“I firmly believe that research cannot stop at the door of the laboratory” 

– reads the thought of Dr Ferenc Jakab on the plaque installed on the wall of the Szentágothai Research Centre, created by Péter Lengyel, Dean of the Faculty of Music and Visual Arts. This idea is a reminder not only of the importance of expanding the boundaries of science but also of the power of personal example – a message highlighted at this year’s Szentágothai Day.

During the ceremony, the spirit of the centre’s namesake – excellence, dedication and a hunger for knowledge – was complemented by a message of remembrance and inspiration. For future generations, not only scientific achievement but also the work of exemplary individuals who created lasting value through their vocation and conviction provides guidance.

Following the unveiling of the plaque, the official opening of the event began, where Dr Attila Miseta and Dr Boldizsár Czéh, President of the Szentágothai Research Centre, welcomed participants. “Half an hour ago, we commemorated our colleague Ferenc Jakab […] he possessed so much that predestined him to leave his mark,” said the Rector, expressing his hope that the event will increasingly inspire young people to immerse themselves in different branches of science, thereby ensuring the continuity of research.

The keynote speaker of this year’s event was Dr János Réthelyi, lecturer at Semmelweis University, who in his presentation “Genetic, Molecular and Clinical Studies in Psychiatric Disorders” not only outlined the molecular background of the complex examination of mental illnesses, highlighting the importance of integrating genetic data with clinical observations, but also recalled his grandfather, János Szentágothai.

In keeping with tradition, the Szentágothai Prizes were also awarded during the event. In 2025, the Szentágothai Prize was presented to Dr Katalin Gombos, Associate Professor at the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the Clinical Centre and Head of the Molecular Medicine Research Group. Her work has produced significant results in non-invasive genetic diagnostics and reproductive genetics.

The Junior Szentágothai Prize was awarded to Dr Márton Tompa, researcher at the Hungarian Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics, for his outstanding achievements in neuro-oncological and translational genetic studies, contributing to a better understanding and diagnosis of rare neurological disorders.

Young researchers are supported by the János Szentágothai Talent Support Programme, whose scholarship holders this year – Bianka Kőhegyi, Nóra Bruszt and Dr Gergely Szarka – presented their research progress in their annual reports. The programme aims to provide professional and financial support for talented researchers under the age of 35, helping the University of Pécs and the Szentágothai Research Centre to remain a hub of scientific excellence.

The event reaffirmed that the spirit of János Szentágothai – scientific curiosity, dedication and the desire for knowledge – remains vivid in Pécs today, continuing to inspire future generations.