The awardees of Obuda University’s renewed Distinguished Programme signed their contracts for the next four-year period at a formal ceremony. The researchers, who were introduced and recognised at the University’s opening ceremony of the academic year on 7 September, signed the agreements related to the programme on 8 September, marking the beginning of a new phase in the research excellence programme of Obuda University and the University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK).

Launched in 2022, the Excellence Programme recognised outstanding research performance for the fifth time this year. In 2026, a total of nine Hungarian and international researchers received recognition in three categories. Through long-term collaborations, the programme aims to integrate the knowledge, experience and international networks of outstanding researchers into the University’s academic and scientific community.

Nine Outstanding Researchers, Three Categories

This year’s awardees in the Distinguished Professor category are Professors Seyedali Mirjalili, Amir H. Gandomi and Andrea De Gaetano. Their research fields range from artificial intelligence and data science to optimisation, biomathematics and medical modelling. Through their internationally recognised academic achievements and extensive professional networks, they further strengthen the research community of Obuda University.

In the Consolidator Researcher category, Ali Safaa Sadiq, László Szilágyi and Yo-Ping Huang received recognition. Their research focuses on areas including cybersecurity, trustworthy artificial intelligence, medical image processing and bioinformatics, as well as intelligent control and AI-enabled IoT systems.

The awardees in the Starting Excellence Researcher category are Fahime Khozeimeh, Dániel Drexler and Zsombor Zrubka. Fahime Khozeimeh focuses on medical applications of artificial intelligence and medical data analytics; Dániel Drexler’s research centres on control engineering, robotics and cyber-medical systems; while Zsombor Zrubka conducts research in health economics and health technology assessment.

A Four-Year Collaboration Begins

The renewed 2026 Excellence Programme places greater emphasis on long-term professional planning and the continuous monitoring of research outcomes. The four-year project period is built around detailed professional objectives, tasks and milestones, while researchers’ progress is supported by regular professional reporting.

The programme has also sharpened its research focus. Priority areas include artificial intelligence, control theory, cyber-medical systems, robotics, intelligent systems and innovation management. The renewed framework also provides greater flexibility for the involvement of international researchers.

The formal signing ceremony represents not only the recognition of this year’s awardees, but also the beginning of a new long-term professional collaboration. Coordinated by EKIK, the Excellence Programme brings together Hungarian and international research expertise, fostering new research activities, scientific communities and international partnerships, while further strengthening Obuda University’s research and innovation ecosystem.