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