New Leadership for the MOME Doctoral School

Date: 2024.12.09

“It is a great privilege to continue my work as Head of the MOME Doctoral School, an institution synonymous with innovation, creativity, and excellence,” said Professor Ábel Szalontai upon accepting his appointment to lead the Doctoral School until 31 December 2025.

On 18 November 2024, following a decision by the University’s Habilitation and Doctoral Council on 12 November, Rector Pál Koós officially appointed Professor Szalontai to the role. The Rector expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing head, Professor Hedvig Harmati, for her tireless dedication, and praised Szalontai’s extraordinary expertise and commitment. “His extensive experience and visionary approach allow him to devise forward-thinking solutions. His role within our community and his readiness to support others are exemplary, and will undoubtedly lead to remarkable achievements for the Doctoral School, strengthening its community and enhancing its international recognition.”

Szalontai sees the coming years as a period of great opportunity, and said it was time to collectively reflect on what doctoral education means in the 21st century and in the years to come.

“My vision is for the MOME Doctoral School to become a research hub that fosters world-class projects and serves as a home for a vibrant and inspiring community. I would like to focus intensively on international dialogue, support student-driven initiatives, and ensure the school remains a hub for artistic, design, and technological innovation. I am confident that together with MOME’s talented students, dedicated mentors, and extensive professional network we can develop solutions that will make a real difference in the world. The School provides students with the freedom, space, and support to turn their dreams into reality, and I look forward to the challenges, successes, and collaborations ahead. Together, we shape the future, and our shared goals define what makes MOME, MOME.”

For decades, the Doctoral School has been a supportive and dynamic environment that not only fosters academic excellence but also encourages experimentation and the realisation of socially relevant projects. Over the 26 years of its history, the MOME Doctoral School has welcomed over 500 students, more than 140 of whom have earned DLA or PhD degrees, contributing fresh experience, innovations and scientific achievements to enhance the national and international scene.

More importantly, a living community of students, teachers, supervisors, thesis consultants, researchers and university staff has been forged, and has grown into a diverse knowledge base that honours the old and stays open to the new.

In 2023, to celebrate its 25-year milestone anniversary, the Doctoral School organised a large-scale interactive exhibition, D25 “Varietas”.

Photo: Richard Usher

More news

Dare to dream: MOME at the most personal career orientation festival

What makes MOME appealing to young people? This question was explored in depth by the MOME delegation at the 8th Konnekt Live Career Orientation Festival that included designer and lecturer Dániel Ruppert, Animation student Enikő Svarcz, Textile Design BA student András Parag, and graphic designer and MOME alumna Dóra Sirály. In a discussion with the audience aged 16 to 20, the team shared insights into their respective fields, explained the admission process, and discussed the career opportunities available to MOME graduates.

Directorate for Grants and Development celebrates an exceptionally successful year

The MOME Directorate for Grants and Development has closed an outstanding year, securing multimillion-euro funding for a diverse range of research projects, including AR Symposium, Zenctuary VR+, and Waterside Voices. These projects span fields as diverse as urban development, nature conservation, contemporary dance, and the application of cutting-edge VR technology in healthcare. For the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), bringing its projects to life to address the complex challenges of the 21st century is a top priority. As state funding is becoming increasingly scarce, securing and effectively utilising grant opportunities has emerged as a critical strategic focus.

New contemporary MOME jewellery at the National Museum’s Shine! – The Era of Jewellery exhibition

On the Boundary Lines, a selection of contemporary jewellery created by current and former students of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design is now on display in six dedicated cases in the Dome Hall of the Hungarian National Museum. These pieces form part of the newly opened Shine! – The Era of Jewellery exhibition, which spans from prehistoric times to the present day. Alongside historical artefacts, the MOME works highlight the diversity and innovation of contemporary jewellery design. The selection features themes central to MOME’s design philosophy, including nature, space, the body, memory, and imagination.

All News