Péter Balogh
Peter Balogh is an entrepreneur and investor, founder and CEO of STRT Holding, one of the region's most active early stage investors with close to a hundred investments. He's also known for his role as a Shark on the Hungarian version of Shark Tank. With a passion for supporting and mentoring startups, he built and exited NNG, a global leader in navigation systems. He began his tech career early, starting programming at the age of seven, and later co-founded one of the first mobile gaming companies. Today, Peter focuses on helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
Dr. Istvan Petak
Dr. Istvan Petak is a pioneering physician-scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming cancer care through precision oncology. As the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Genomate Health, he leads the company’s scientific vision to harness artificial intelligence and genomic data to personalize cancer treatment. Dr. Petak’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to integrating molecular diagnostics with clinical decision-making to enhance patient outcomes. Holding both an MD in Medicine and a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology, Dr. Petak has over three decades of experience at the intersection of oncology, biotechnology, and translational research. He also holds academic visiting and research professor appointments in both the United States and Hungary, including affiliations with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Széchenyi István University, and Semmelweis University. His prolific scientific output includes over 200 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Dennis Ross
Dennis A. Ross is a former Member of the United States Congress, former Member of the Florida House of Representatives, and currently serves as the Director of the American Center for Public Leadership at Southeastern University, where is he is also a distinguished professor of political science.
During his time in Congress, Ross, whose mother is Hungarian, served as Co-Chair of the Hungarian-American Congressional Caucus. In that role, Congressman Ross was active with the Hungarian American Coalition and took part in many of their events and programs. In 2016, Ross led a bipartisan delegation to Hungary to meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Members of his Cabinet as well as Members of the Hungarian Parliament .For deepening the Hungarian-American relations and contributing to a better and positive understanding of the political developments in Hungary, Congressman Ross was recognized by Prime Minister Viktor Orban and awarded the distinguished Hungarian Knights Cross Order of Merit on August 2, 2016.
Janet Karika
Ms. Janet Karika recently retired from NASA, where she served as the Principal Advisor to the Administrator for Space Transportation. In this role, she was responsible for resolving cross-program challenges and issues by working closely with NASA’s technical authorities, Center Directors, and Program Managers within the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. She monitored and advised on major space transportation programs including the Artemis Space Launch System and Orion, the Commercial Crew Program, the Launch Services Program, and Cargo Resupply Services.
She also collaborated with key government stakeholders such as the National Space Council, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force. Prior to this, Ms. Karika served as NASA’s Chief of Staff, advising the Administrator on agency activities and coordinating with the Executive Office of the President on strategic initiatives.
Ms. Karika is a recognized subject matter expert on space policy, space transportation, and non-proliferation. Over her 40-year career in the space and missile field, she worked on a range of strategic initiatives supporting congressional staffs, the Executive Branch, and federal agencies such as the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation.
She previously supported NASA’s Launch Services Program and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate Launch Services Office as the Jacobs Executive Director of Interagency Launch Programs. Before joining NASA, she held leadership roles in the Department of Defense, including as Executive Advisor to the Air Force for space acquisition and as Assistant for Launch Systems in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. During her military career, she was Director for Launch Programs at the Air Force Program Executive Office for Space, where she oversaw the transition to the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program.
Ms. Karika holds both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on ultra-high temperature composites used in space propulsion and thermal protection systems. She is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a former Vice Chair of the Board of Women in Aerospace (WIA), and a former Chair of the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) Infrastructure Working Group.
Carol Ann Dykes Logue
Carol Ann is the Director of UCF’s Business Incubation Program, overseeing nine incubation sites that help startups thrive in Florida’s booming tech landscape. She has helped launch and scale hundreds of companies, turning bold ideas into successful businesses! 🚀
She’s also the Co-Founder and Director of Central Florida Tech Grove, a cutting-edge hub where the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and top innovators collaborate to build the future of training, simulation, and emerging technologies. 🌍⚙️
And there’s more… Before UCF, she worked with NASA to bring space-age technologies to market! Yes, you read that right—her expertise reaches beyond the stars! 🌠
What Will You Learn?
🔥 How to turn a startup into a high-growth company
🔥 How to build powerful industry and government partnerships
🔥 The secrets behind tech transfer & commercialization
🔥 How innovation hubs can supercharge your business success
If you are an entrepreneur, investor, or a business leader, this is your chance to learn from one of the best minds in innovation and growth!
Dr. István Sárhegyi
Dr. István Sárhegyi is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and consultant with dual degrees in law and economics. He is a leading figure in Hungary's space and defence sectors, holding executive roles in several key organizations. As an alumnus of the International Space University, he is instrumental in advancing Hungary's space industry, including the development of the country's first geostationary satellite.
After obtaining a master's degree in law from Eötvös Loránd University and a bachelor's degree in business and management from Corvinus University in Budapest, he completed a Space Studies Programme (SSP) at the International Space University, for which he was awarded a scholarship by the European Space Agency (ESA).
He began his career as a junior partner at the law firm Sárhegyi and Partners and as a lecturer in international space law and policy at the University of Pécs. He was then managing partner at Herius Capital – Space Fund, and is member of the Board of Directors of Hungaro DigiTel, AMOS-Spacecom, and of Rotors & Cams Ltd. Furthermore he is the Chairman of the Board of REMRED Ltd, a leading Hungarian private space engineering company. He joined 4iG in 2021 as advisor to the Chairman and became Chief of Staff and SpaceTech Advisor to the Chairman a year later.
István Sárhegyi is currently the CEO of 4iG Space and Defence Technologies Plc., the holding company of the 4iG Group, which is engaged in the development and production of space, satellite and UAV technologies, as well as drone protection and defence digitalisation services.
4iG Space and Defence Technologies Ltd. is Hungary's first large privately owned company focused on the space and defence sector, with the aim of becoming the leading vertically integrated service provider in Hungary and the region.
Kathleen Karika
International Business Development and Government Relations professional with experience in Direct Commercial (DCS) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Demonstrated leadership generating maximum team output, building lasting relationships with U.S. government and international customers, and delivering consistent, high quality products. Reputation for delivering on commitments, enthusiasm, and exceptional communication and presentation skills.
Dr. Eszter Lukács
Dr Eszter Lukács is Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University (SZE), Hungary, and Associate Professor since 1997. She earned her PhD in International Relations from Corvinus University in 2006. Since 2017, she has led SZE’s internationalization, expanding English-taught programmes to over 40 and increasing international student numbers sixfold, now from 80 countries. Under her guidance, SZE has been ranked in THE’s World University Rankings (1501+, 2025), Young University Rankings (501–600), and Impact Rankings (SDGs 8, 11, 16). Dr Lukács received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit in 2022. She is President of the International Committee of the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference, a Tempus Public Foundation trustee, and a Governing Council Member of the UN Association of Hungary. To date, Dr Lukács has 68 academic publications to her name.
Krisztina Bombera
Krisztina Bombera J.D. - communications consultant, event moderator, CEO of a value-advocacy agency, broadcast journalist.
Mrs. Bombera worked for two decades as a broadcast anchor in Hungary, for 5 years as a current affairs correspondent in the U.S.A., also as a legal research assistant at Princeton University, N.J. for a year.
As a journalist Mrs. Bombera conducted interviews with influential public figures globally, among them Francis Fukuyama, Malcolm Gladwell, Richard Holbrooke, Steven Pinker, Salman Rushdie, Simon Sinek, Susan Sontag, George Soros, etc.
In recent years she moderates events in the business sector and in academia and also hosts „Business Menu with Krisztina Bombera,” an interview series with outstanding business leaders making a change in Hungary and the CEE region.
Dr. Éva Polgár
Pianist Éva Polgár is an internationally recognized concert artist, educator, and cultural ambassador, known for her engaging performances and dedication to Hungarian music and culture. She has performed across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with highlights including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, and the Franz Liszt Museum. Currently Assistant Professor at East Tennessee State University, she mentors the next generation of musicians. A Liszt and Bartók specialist, she promotes Hungarian musical heritage worldwide and was named Hungary Foundation’s Cultural Ambassador of the Year. Polgár’s collaborations span from classical masterworks to experimental art projects with visual artist Sándor Vály. A co-director of the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, she nurtures young talent globally through teaching, masterclasses, and international festivals. Her work bridges artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy. |
Don Koulaouzos
Don Koulaouzos career in the international telecommunications and aerospace industries spans several decades.
He was responsible for the launch, marketing and business development of global mobile satellite services with Australia’s largest telecommunications company. He contributed to the strategic planning of two civil and two military multi-billion dollar geostationary satellite constellations as a board member and management consultant, respectively.
Don now leads a business & technology consultancy in the UK, Hungary and throughout Europe. He is a serial entrepreneur and shares his knowledge and expertise by helping startups with training and support as an ESA and NASA mentor as well as a guest lecturer on space topics at several universities. Don has an MBA from the University of Sydney, was an exchange student at the University of Texas, and holds Australian and US commercial pilots’ licenses.
Dr. Gábor Kutasi
Associate professor, PhD of Economics, Dr. Habil., head of Research Institute of Competitiveness and Economy, head of Department of Economics and International Economics in Faculty of Public Governance and International Relations, Ludovika University of Public Service. He was research fellow of National Bank of Hungary, Zeppelin University, Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, and scholar of Hungarian Academy of Science, German KAAD Osteuropaprogramm. He was teacher in the Corvinus University of Budapest between 2004 and 2018, and guest lecturer of University of Economics, Prague. |
Dr. Ágnes Steinberg Kovács
We are honored to introduce Dr. Ágnes Steinberg Kovács, an executive coach, university lecturer, and legendary Olympic, World, and European Champion swimmer! 🏊♀️ With an extraordinary sports career and a dedication to leadership development, she brings a unique perspective on resilience, peak performance, and personal growth.
💡 From Champion to Coach
Named Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year four times in a row (1997-2000), Ágnes has transitioned from elite athlete to executive coach, guiding individuals and teams toward success in high-performance environments.
🏅 A Legacy of Excellence
Inducted into both the International Swimming Hall of Fame (2014, Florida) and the Arizona State University Hall of Fame (2015), she continues to inspire generations with her achievements and insights.
🎓 Academic & Coaching Expertise
With a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, an MA from Budapest Corvinus University, and a PhD from the Hungarian University of Sport Science, she combines academic rigor with real-world experience.
What Will You Learn?
🔥 Strategies for high-performance leadership
🔥 How to develop resilience & a champion mindset
🔥 The role of discipline & mindset in professional success
🔥 Insights from an Olympic champion on achieving goals
📢 This session is a must-attend for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for excellence!
Levente Szuper
Szuper Levente is a legend in Hungarian ice hockey, best known as the first Hungarian player ever signed by an NHL team! As a goaltender, he played at the highest levels in North America and Europe, representing Hungary in 98 international games and playing a key role in the 2008 historic promotion to the elite division at the World Championship.
His journey took him from Budapest to the Canadian Hockey League, the AHL, and the NHL draft, where he was selected by the Calgary Flames. He later played across Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Austria, proving that Hungarian athletes can compete on the global stage. 🏆
Beyond the rink, Szuper has been a sports leader, serving as the president of Vasas HC, a goalie coach, and now a hockey development expert, shaping the future of Hungarian ice hockey.
What Will You Learn?
🔥 How to break barriers and achieve international success
🔥 What it takes to be mentally strong in a high-pressure career
🔥 Lessons from professional sports that apply to business and leadership
🔥 The state of Hungarian hockey and the future of sports development
Dorottya Martonffy-Nagy
As an expert in economic diplomacy and investment promotion, Dorottya has held multiple roles within Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including serving as Deputy State Secretary for Investment Promotion. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing policies to enhance foreign and domestic investments, coordinating key foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in close collaboration with Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), and oversaw government positions on EU trade policy representing Hungary as Titulaire at the EU Trade Policy Committee. Prior to this role, she led the Business Services Department at HIPA where she managed FDI projects across the business services, R&D, and logistics sectors. Between 2014-19 she served as Hungary’s Economic Attaché in Washington, D.C., gaining a deep understanding of the US political & economic institutional environment and business culture. She holds a master’s degree in Economics with a focus on International Relations from Corvinus University of Budapest. Currently a primary caregiver for her 3-year-old daughter, in her free time enjoys playing tennis and to travel.
Dr. Judit Trunkos
Dr. Judit Trunkos is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Robert Morris University, specializing in international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and cyber diplomacy. But what truly sets her apart? Her groundbreaking research on soft power—the hidden force shaping global influence! 🌍💡
She has developed a revolutionary soft power measurement method and created a comprehensive dataset to analyze how countries use sports, culture, and education to build global relationships. 🇺🇳🏅📚
What Will You Learn?
🔥 How nations influence the world without military power
🔥 The role of sports, culture, and education in diplomacy
🔥 How soft power affects business, politics, and global trends
🔥 Why understanding these forces is essential for success in today’s world
🌠 Soft power is like space travel—it's all about reaching far beyond borders without force. Just as astronauts explore new frontiers, Dr. Judit Trunkos will guide us through the hidden forces that shape global influence and opportunity! 🚀
Barnabas Szabo-Sipos
Host:of Hungarian Summit Barnabas Szabo-Sipos, the Hungarian voice of George Clooney, freelance actor and painter
I am a freelance intellectual theatre artist. I work in several theatres in Hungary, I am involved in film production and television production. I have also worked as a painter for 35 years. I graduated from the University of Theatre and Film Arts in 1987. I was born on 12 September 1962 in Budapest.
Eszter Csapó
I'm a curious transformation enabler and a driven woman in technology, passionate about making a positive impact through innovative solutions infused with a personal touch. I'm dedicated to empowering female financial independence.
Throughout my exciting career journey, I have been fortunate to gain a wide array of valuable experience spanning 5 business units, 4 countries, across 3 continents, at 1 company, SAP.
Over a decade, I have acquired expertise in strategy execution, go-to-market planning, sales & business operations, change management, executive communications and more. My roles have allowed me to work cross-functionally, building relationships and processes that drive productivity and revenue growth.
Currently, I am a member of SAP's Partner Revenue Organization Leadership team, based in the United States, leading the Partner Revenue Office, making SAP the #1 Partner of Choice in the market to our Ecosystem.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Organization Development and Change Management from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Ireland, and Bachelor’s in International Business from Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary.
I reside with my husband and 2 years old son in Austin, Texas, expecting a new addition to our family this summer.
Prof.Dr. Enikő Maior
Enikő Maior, PhD. is full professor at Obuda University, Budapest, Hungary. A respected professor at Óbuda University, originally from Transylvania. She is the author of Bernard Malamud and the Type Figure of the Schlemiel and Gary Shteyngart and the Question of Identity. She has published articles in collective volumes and journals on the problems of identity in Jewish American literature. In the first half of 2013 she was a SCIEX fellow working at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. In the first half of 2018 she was a Fulbright fellow at Central Connecticut State University, CT., U.S.A. She got her habilitation from the West University of Timisoara in 2020. She believes in the importance of talent management; as a leader and educator, she believes that community building fosters effective work and professional development.
Samu Csinta
Born in 1960 in Romania, journalist/editor-in-chief in a few hungarian newspapers and magazins in Hungary and Romania.
Judit Regos
Judit Regos is a social policy expert, family counsellor and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of the Parents’ House movement in Hungary, the leader of Parents’ House Family Centres since 2007 and the President of the Parents’ House Public Benefit Foundation since 2015.
As an expert, she is frequently invited to contribute to the Hungarian media and to speak at Hungarian and international conferences.
The family support methodology she developed was awarded Best Practice by the European Union's Eurofound Foundation in 2012 and included in the World Bank's Good Practice in 2014.
On the recommendation of the World Bank, a partnership with the Government of Ghana was launched in 2018 and with the Government of Morocco in 2019 to adapt the programme.
In 2022, the Foundation was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and in 2023 her programme won the Social Innovation Award in Hungary.
Over the past 15 years, Parents’ House, under her leadership, has reached more than 100,000 families through the operation of six family centres and 20 family nurseries. It has provided summer camping opportunities for thousands of children and involved hundreds of volunteers in its various charitable programmes. The Foundation works with 20 children's homes across Hungary to enhance the life prospects of 500 children and young people in care.
Dr. Zita Kelemen
As Director of International Mobility at Corvinus University, I lead the development and management of global academic collaborations, including exchange programs, COIL initiatives, and faculty-led study abroad experiences. With over 20 years of experience in international business development and intercultural communication, I am dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing global engagement in higher education.
Tamás Pusztai
Hi, I’m Tamás Pusztai, a commercially driven managing director with a strong background in international sales, and retail operations in the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Currently, I co-lead Kallos Cosmetics Kft., a Hungarian brand with a strong presence in over 30 countries. Our focus is on accessible, trend-conscious beauty products – and my job is to make sure they reach the right markets, the right partners, and the right price, at the right time.
My approach is hands-on, data-informed, and partnership-focused: I believe that good business is built on mutual growth, transparency, and local insight.
Outside the boardroom, I’m always interested in new business models, digital transformation in retail, and how consumer habits evolve across cultures. I enjoy working with ambitious teams, and aligning operations with creative brand storytelling.
If you’re passionate about the beauty industry, distribution I’m always open to connect, collaborate, or just exchange ideas.
In 2024, we took a major leap and began our market entry into the United States. It’s one of the most competitive beauty markets in the world, and we’re proud to say that our brand is now officially present and active there. We’ve also established our U.S. subsidiary, a milestone made possible with the invaluable support of the 2024 U.S. Market Entry Bootcamp Program. Entering a market of this scale has been a major challenge — and I’m eager to share what we’ve learned along the way.
Laszlo Szabo
Auguszt Bárió
Auguszt Bárió is a Hungarian musician, songwriter, singer, and guitarist based in Vienna. At 17, he won the "Tinisztár '84" talent show and released his first EP titled "Megy a Bárió." In 1987, he co-founded the successful band AD Studio, known for hits like "Álmaimban Amerika" and "Nyári Eső." In 2000, he released his first solo album, "Mikor a föld alszik," while continuing with AD Studio. Bárió, a lifelong Beatles fan, began his career performing Beatles songs and still plays them today in Hungary and Austria. In 2019, he performed "Back In The U.S.S.R." with Steve Sidwell at a Beatles project in Vienna. One of his dreams is to perform with his friends at the Beatle Week festival.
Paula Hentz
Paula Hentz is the Senior International Officer and Director of Global Initiatives at Stetson University. She has been at Stetson since for nearly 13 years and provides leadership of the university’s international learning center, including study abroad, international student and scholar services, and campus internationalization initiatives. She holds a B.A. in History and African American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.Ed in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, and is currently working on her PhD with Colorado State University. She has studied and worked abroad in both the United Kingdom and South Korea. |
Zoltán Papp
Founder of EV.analytica. Car enthusiast, builder, and strategist with a passion for reshaping EV charging through the intersection of technology, data, and design. Former roles at AVL, Audi, and VCIC. Driven by bold moves, not safety nets.As an expert, she is frequently invited to contribute to the Hungarian media and to speak at Hungarian and international conferences.
The family support methodology she developed was awarded Best Practice by the European Union's Eurofound Foundation in 2012 and included in the World Bank's Good Practice in 2014.
On the recommendation of the World Bank, a partnership with the Government of Ghana was launched in 2018 and with the Government of Morocco in 2019 to adapt the programme.
In 2022, the Foundation was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and in 2023 her programme won the Social Innovation Award in Hungary.
Over the past 15 years, Parents’ House, under her leadership, has reached more than 100,000 families through the operation of six family centres and 20 family nurseries. It has provided summer camping opportunities for thousands of children and involved hundreds of volunteers in its various charitable programmes. The Foundation works with 20 children's homes across Hungary to enhance the life prospects of 500 children and young people in care.
Tamás Szűcs
THOMX has entertained audiences at numerous major events, including TNT and Neoton Família concerts, the I Love 2000 party series, and the Total Dance Festival. He has taken the stage with great enthusiasm at iconic venues such as Budapest Park, Plázs Siófok, and the country’s largest sports arenas, including the MVM Dome, SYMA Hall, Audi Aréna Győr, and Veszprém Aréna.
Currently serving as the Operations Manager for a multi-state portrait photography studio chain, Gabor has earned accolades for his creative and managerial expertise. His commitment extends beyond the professional realm, actively participating in social events and fundraisers, showcasing a dedication to community impact.
As President of the Hungarian Club of Chicago, Gabor envisions a future that combines traditional Hungarian engagements with modernized activities and enhanced public relations. In the post-Covid era, he is determined to revive cultural and social events, creating an inclusive space that reflects the Club’s rich history in today’s Chicago Hungarian community.
Prof. Miklos Kozlovszky
Dr. habil. Miklos KOZLOVSZKY is a Professor at Óbuda University (Hungary), head of the SpaceLab and the BioTech Research Center (BTRC). He received his habilitation from Óbuda University in 2017, his PhD from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) in 2009, and his MSc in Computer Science from the University of Szeged (Hungary) in 2001. He is IEEE Senior member since 2022. He is Honorary Professor, at Semmelweis University (Hungary) since 2021. Before that, he was working: as researcher in the Bioinformatics Group at IMP (Austria), at CERN (Switzerland), and as team leader at Vodafone Hungary. During his last 20+ years he was involved in many national and international, EU FP6, FP7, H2020 and Horizon EU projects at various positions (leader, deputy project leader, WP leader, etc.). He has 2 patents and he is author and co-author of 260+ research articles in peer-reviewed journals and books. |
Attila Danku MBA
Attila is a business development leader with 20 years of international experience across the USA, UK, and Europe. He has previously headed business development and sales at the Silicon Valley Innovation Center in the Bay Area and served as a Hungarian diplomat and Trade Attaché in Los Angeles. Attila is also the co-founder and an active member of the European Innovation Center in Silicon Valley, a nonprofit supporting European startups and businesses entering the US and global markets. He is a member of 0100 Conferences, a leading conference and matchmaking platform for private equity and venture capital, and leads business development at BrightHills, a regulated industry software development company with over 20 years of US market experience based in Hungary. Attila is recognized for building strong partnerships and driving successful growth initiatives across continents.
Prof. Dr. Lajos György Szabó
Prof. Dr. Lajos György Szabó holds master’s degrees in Engineering Management from the University of Pannonia and in Energy and Environmental Economics from ENI Scuola Superiore Enrico Mattei, Italy. He earned his Ph.D. in 1997 and his habilitation in Business and Economics in 2009. A founding member of the Hungarian Project Management Association, his research focuses on strategic, project, and knowledge management. He served in leadership roles at the University of Pannonia before joining Corvinus University in 2015, where he has held multiple senior positions including Vice-Rector for Education, Vice-Rector for General Affairs, and Acting Rector. Since autumn 2024, he has been serving as Vice-Rector for Academic Programs.
Dr. Gyöngyi Pozsgai
Dr. Pozsgai is the Head of the Study Abroad and Summer School Office at the University of Pécs, where she oversees short-term programs for incoming international students, including summer and winter courses, COIL projects, and semester-long study abroad programs.
She is a skilled international education professional with 20 years of experience in internationalization, marketing, and student recruitment in higher education. She holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Pécs, with a research focus on international higher education marketing.
From 2006 to 2013, she served as Secretary General of the University Network of the European Capitals of Culture. Between 2022 and 2024, she held a position as a Steering Group member of the Summer Schools Expert Community within the European Association for International Education (EAIE).
Dr. Péter Kristóf
Dr. Emese Pancsa
A visionary thinker with a background in arts, education, and climate advocacy. Emese is a TEDx speaker, Pro Arte Gold Medalist, and a pioneer of employee-driven sustainability. Her leadership blends creativity with systems thinking, making her a strong voice for behavioral change in environmental innovation. She shapes Compocity’s mission to be both regenerative and radically engaging. |
Prof. Jason Bell
Jason Bell is a professor of philosophy at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. He has taught in the graduate program at the Higher Institute of Philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and at Mount Allison University in Canada. He has served at the University of Göttingen in Germany as Fulbright Professor, as scholar-in-residence at Boston University, as Research Fellow at the Husserl Archives-Leuven, and as d’Alzon Fellow at Assumption University. He was awarded the doctorate in philosophy at Vanderbilt University. |
Prof. Dr. Endre Harsányi
Endre Harsányi was born in Debrecen in 1976. In 2001, he graduated from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Debrecen with a degree in Agricultural Engineering specialised in Economics. Between 2002 and 2004, he worked as a research assistant at the Agricultural and Regional Development Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. In 2004, he obtained his PhD in crop production and horticultural sciences at the University of Debrecen. From 2004 to 2006, he worked as a Development Manager in the field of seed production at KITE cPlc. Between 2007 and 2016, he served as Director of the Regional University Knowledge Centre for Regional Development at the University of Debrecen AGTC. In 2012, he achieved habilitation in the field of crop production and horticultural sciences at the University of Debrecen. From 2012 to 2016, he was the Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the Institute of Land Use, Technology and Regional Development of the Faculty of Agricultural, Food Sciences and Environmental Management of the University of Debrecen. Between 2015 and 2020, he was the Secretary of the Kerpely Kálmán Doctoral School. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Head of the Institute of Land Use, Technology and Regional Development at the same faculty. Between 2019 and 2020, he was the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Mechanisation at the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre. From 2020 to 2021, he held the position of Vice-Rector for Strategic and Corporate Relations at Szent István University. Since 2021, he has been the Director-General of the Institutes for Agricultural Research and Educational Farm of the University of Debrecen. Between 2021 and 2022, he served as Vice-Rector for Agricultural Innovation and Education Development, and from 2022 onward, as Vice-Rector for Sectoral Development responsible for Agricultural and Food Science Development at the University of Debrecen. In 2022, he was appointed as a full professor. |
Piros Pazaurek
Piros Pazaurek is the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Central Florida and the founder of HungarianHub and the annual Hungarian Summit. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2011, she has been dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, education, and community development between Hungary and the United States. Her initiatives, including the USA Accelerator and HunBizFlo, aim to empower Hungarian entrepreneurs and strengthen the Hungarian-American community. With over 20 years of experience in international marketing, Piros has collaborated with over 40 organizations, including national festivals and sports federations, to promote Hungarian culture and heritage. |
József Kepli
Mr. József Kepli currently serves as the Head of the Centre for International Programmes and Alumni at Széchenyi István University, having previously held the position of Head of the Department for International Communication. He has a strong background in public administration, international relations, and urban development, having served in various leadership roles, including Deputy Mayor of the SPA city of Hévíz and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Hévíz-Balaton Airport.
Gábor Csizmazia
Gábor Csizmazia is a research fellow at the John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics, at the Ludovika University of Public Service. His research focuses on American foreign policy and transatlantic relations, particularly the security relationship between the United States and East-Central Europe. He earned his PhD from the Doctoral School of Military Sciences at the Ludovika University of Public Service in 2021, and was a visiting researcher at George Washington University in 2018 and the Institute of World Politics in 2024. He currently heads the Hungarian Marshall Center Alumni Association and gives lectures in the Hungarian Diplomacy Academy program. |
Dr. Tamás Kolossváry
Dr. Tamás Kolossváry has been with Széchenyi István University for seven years. He currently serves as the Head of the Győr Innovation Park — a university-owned technology and business hub that hosts our corporate partnerships and R&D projects.
In addition to his leadership in innovation, Dr. Kolossváry has a strong background in motorsport. He is the co-founder and former team leader of the university’s Formula Student team and also serves as the project owner of the Formula Student Symposium. Presently, he plays an active role in coordinating the activities of the Motorsport Academy, one of Széchenyi University's unique regional strengths.
dr. Tamás Weiszbart
Dr. Tamás Weiszbart is the managing partner of the European office of White Summers Caffee & James, LLP in Budapest. Tamás has 20 years of experience in international law practice, working with leading law firms and clients across Europe, the US, and Asia. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Banking & Financial Law from Boston University School of Law, and a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the University of Pécs Faculty of Law in Hungary. Fluent in English, German, and Hungarian, and has a strong knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks in different jurisdictions. He gained deep experience in the Silicon Valley office of White Summers in the formation and structuring of startup companies, advising companies on Pre-seed, Series A and B financings and helping European startups in their flip to the U.S. Prior to joining White Summers Tamás worked at a Boston based law firm dealing mainly with U.S. financial regulatory matters and advising entities on issuing securities. Tamás is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and innovators achieve their goals and grow their businesses, while ensuring compliance and risk management. His mission is to deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective solutions to complex legal challenges. |
Olga Augusztin
Olga Augusztin is a Hungarian sports innovator and vice-president of Water Skyball, a unique, inclusive water sport designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Actively working to bring WSB to the international stage, with a focus on community building, education, and social impact through sport. |
Dr. Tamás Bene
For over 25 years, he has been working with international students in various roles. As a university student, he co-founded the Szeged member organization of the Erasmus Student Network, an international student association aimed at supporting the integration of international students through peer mentoring. Additionally, he has been involved in cross-border youth work at the EU frontier, serving as the president of the Youth Association of the Danube-Körös-Maros-Tisa Euroregion. For more than a decade, he worked as a lawyer while actively participating in international youth work through various NGOs and providing legal assistance to international students. In 2017, he joined the University of Szeged as the Director for International Affairs and Public Relations, where he has been actively contributing to the development of international higher education ever since.
Györgyi Kovács
Györgyi Kovács is Head of Department for International Strategy and Program Development, Head of Centre for Foreign Language Training and Services and Associate Professor at the Department of English and American Studies at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in Eger, Hungary. She is also a pre-service and in-service teacher trainer, an international facilitator. She is the founder of the Language Pedagogy Centre at EKCU. Her research interests include the role of culture in foreign language teaching, education for intercultural communication and the use of modern technologies in foreign language teaching. She is member of several international and national scientific societies and academic research groups, international projects. |
Bence Keszthelyi
For the past 19 years, I’ve had the privilege of building the RE/MAX franchise network in Hungary, and looking ahead, my vision is to continue expanding until we achieve full national coverage. My goal is to create a network of strong, local franchises that provide exceptional real estate services across every region of Hungary.
As we move forward, I am always on the lookout for driven, entrepreneurial individuals who share my passion for the real estate sector and want to build a thriving business within one of the world's most renowned brands. RE/MAX offers not just a brand, but a platform for success, and I’m committed to partnering with the best people who are ready to scale their business and become part of the most successful franchise network in the industry.
The future is exciting, and together, we will continue to shape the future of real estate in Hungary, creating a legacy of growth, innovation, and success.
Dr. Laura Sinóros-Szabó
Dr. Laura Sinóros-Szabó is a higher education development and strategy expert. Until November 2023 she worked as head of department in the ministry responsible for higher education of Hungary. In her role she was responsible for higher education strategy, development policy, EU and international affairs. In her current position she is working on building interinstitutional relations with higher education institutions. Being a green university her main focus is sustainability and higher education strategy.