Debrecen4U
April 2, 2026
Nobel Laureate Mentor and Strategic Collaboration for Next-level Scientist Training in Debrecen
A scientific career model built from secondary school age, world-class laboratory infrastructure, and direct connections to the international elite: this is the aim of the agreement concluded between the University of Debrecen and the city of Debrecen with the National Academy of Scientist Education. Randy Schekman, a Nobel Prize-winning cell biologist, also attended the ceremonial signing and delivered an inspiring lecture at the Learning Center to the future researchers of Debrecen.
The document signed on Wednesday in the Main Building of the University of Debrecen aims to strengthen domestic talent development in medical and biological sciences. Within the framework of the cooperation, the annual support of HUF 5 million each from the university and the city will be supplemented by a further HUF 20 million from the foundation of the National Academy of Scientist Education. This significant funding will not only provide laboratory developments and experimental equipment for Debrecen’s base institutions – including the DE Kossuth Lajos Secondary Grammar School and the Tóth Árpád Secondary Grammar School – but will also open the door for the most talented students to international conferences and world-class research opportunities.
Rector Zoltán Szilvássy emphasised that the institution’s unique talent development system is now being expanded with a new pillar that is also interpretable at an international level. “We are building a system in which a secondary school pupil can already join university research groups during their school years and make use of their full international network. Not only is cooperation between academic institutions necessary, but also a much broader innovation environment capable of producing the next generation of researchers,” he said.
Mayor László Papp highlighted the city’s tradition as a centre of education and the importance of strategic unity in his speech. “In Debrecen, talent is present; the question is whether we can identify and properly mentor it. This agreement elevates an exemplary cooperation with centuries-old roots to a national and international level, ensuring that the most outstanding students receive the initial impetus for an excellent career locally,” he emphasised.
The distinguished guest of the event, Randy Schekman, who was awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, pointed out that the Hungarian talent development model is enviable even in an international context. “In few places can one see such an organised, nationwide effort to support talent at an early stage. Investment in infrastructure is expensive, but for a country like Hungary, I cannot imagine a wiser investment in the future,” highlighted the world-renowned cell biologist. He added that the aim is for young researchers not to leave the country, or to return after gaining experience abroad due to the availability of world-class conditions at home, similarly to the example of Katalin Karikó.
Péter Hegyi, programme director of the National Academy of Scientist Education, pointed out that the driving force of the programme lies in the strength of regional university centres. “Hungary has a future if it has strong regional strongholds. Our goal is for young people to choose science as their future, and for this, Debrecen’s commitment and the university’s professional base are indispensable,” he said.
András Varró, chairman of the board of trustees of the National Biomedical Foundation,highlighted the exemplary joint development of the city and the university. “Debrecen is one of the strongest pillars of our programme. This cooperation did not begin now, but with this signing we are moving to a new, higher level by involving secondary school students,” he said.
Following the signing, Randy Schekman delivered a captivating lecture entitled Genes, Cells and Discoveries in Basic Research and Disease at the Learning Center to an audience of around three hundred secondary school pupils and university students. With his direct style and personal experiences from his scientific career, the Nobel Prize-winning researcher demonstrated to the audience that curiosity and persistent work can lead to discoveries of global significance.
The world-renowned professor subsequently visited the Debrecen biotechnology site of Gedeon Richter Plc., which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
Erik Bogsch, Biotechnology Business Unit Director of Gedeon Richter, stated that it was an honour for them that the Nobel Prize-winning cell biologist visited, as he is one of the pioneers of the field. Regarding the programme of the National Academy of Scientist Education, he highlighted that their company has been supporting domestic science education for many years. According to the business unit director, the Debrecen site is a good example of this, as the number of employees is continuously increasing. This year, the workforce may reach 700, more than 100 of whom have a research background.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)
