Obuda University is further strengthening its academic community with internationally renowned researchers. At the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year, alongside the University’s record student enrolment and enhanced strategy, the winners of this year’s Óbuda University Excellence Programme were also presented. Through the programme, outstanding researchers in artificial intelligence, data science, biomathematics, cybersecurity, intelligent systems and healthcare innovation have been recognised.

World-Class Researchers in the Distinguished Professors Programme

One of the winners of the Distinguished Professors call is Professor Seyedali Mirjalili, an internationally recognised researcher in artificial intelligence. His work focuses primarily on optimisation, machine learning and computational intelligence. He is the creator of several widely used optimisation algorithms, and his scientific publications have received more than 180,000 citations. As a Distinguished Professor, he contributes to further strengthening scientific excellence and international research collaboration at Óbuda University.

Another recipient is Professor Amir H. Gandomi, a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and data science. His academic work contributes to the advancement of areas including predictive analytics, evolutionary computation and scalable artificial intelligence. As a professor at the University of Technology Sydney and a Distinguished Professor at Obuda University, he works to strengthen the connection between fundamental research and practical innovation.

The third distinguished researcher in the programme is Professor Andrea De Gaetano, whose work represents a unique interdisciplinary approach. As a physician, applied mathematician, statistician and lawyer, he brings together biomedicine and mathematical modelling. His research covers the modelling of glucose metabolism, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular processes, as well as the application of advanced computational and statistical methods in healthcare.

Research Excellence from Cybersecurity to Intelligent Systems

Through the Foundational Researcher call, researchers with extensive international experience are also contributing to the University’s scientific community.

Professor Ali Safaa Sadiq focuses his research on cybersecurity, trustworthy artificial intelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure. As Director of the Cyber Security Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, his work includes post-quantum security, cyber-physical systems, autonomous vehicles and applications of trustworthy AI.

Professor László Szilágyi, a faculty member at Óbuda University and Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, conducts internationally recognised research in artificial intelligence, medical image processing and bioinformatics. His work ranges from pattern recognition and machine learning to biometric and medical applications and explainable artificial intelligence.

Professor Yo-Ping Huang is a prominent expert in artificial intelligence, intelligent control systems and AI-enabled IoT technologies. His research covers deep learning, machine learning, intelligent control and the development of interconnected intelligent systems.

Young Researchers of Excellence

The Excellence Programme also recognises outstanding achievements by the younger generation of researchers.

Professor Dr Fahime Khozeimeh is an internationally recognised researcher in artificial intelligence and medical data analytics whose work has made significant contributions to the development of machine learning and deep learning applications in healthcare. As a postdoctoral researcher at Deakin University, she works on intelligent diagnostic systems, medical image processing and predictive modelling, as well as data-driven research into cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, cancer and dermatological conditions. Her academic achievements are reflected in more than 3,700 citations, numerous prestigious international publications and a patent registered in the United States. Through her innovative research, she plays an important role in advancing precision medicine and AI-based clinical decision support.

Dr Dániel Drexler, Associate Professor at the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics at Óbuda University, leads the Computational Therapy Optimisation Research Group. His research focuses on physiological control systems, the control of nonlinear systems, and modern medical technology and engineering applications. Alongside his research and project leadership activities, he places particular emphasis on supporting young researchers and doctoral students.

Dr habil. Zsombor Zrubka is Head of HECON – Health Economics Research Center at Óbuda University. His research focuses on health technology assessment, the economic and social impacts of digital health solutions, and the application of artificial intelligence-based research methods. His academic record includes 225 publications, extensive international publishing activity and a broad network of professional collaborations.

International Expertise in the University’s Research Ecosystem

The involvement of the new Excellence Professors and researchers is closely aligned with Óbuda University’s long-term objectives. In recent years, the University has significantly expanded its international presence: the number of its partners across five continents has increased from 87 to 202, while Óbuda University has advanced by nearly 1,500 places in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings over the past six years.

The combined expertise of internationally recognised professors and the new generation of outstanding researchers will further strengthen Óbuda University’s research excellence, global network and role in shaping the technologies of the future.