Professor Judit Pongrácz, founder of the Biotechnology BSc programme at the University of Pécs Faculty of Pharmacy, received the University of Pécs Golden Podium Award on 6 June 2026 at the University’s ceremonial Senate session held on the occasion of Hungarian Pedagogues’ Day in the Dr Romhányi György Aula. The award recognises educators who demonstrate outstanding excellence in teaching and mentoring, as well as significant achievements in talent development.
Each year, during the ceremonial Senate session celebrating Hungarian Pedagogues’ Day, the Rector of the University of Pécs presents the Golden Podium Award to one educator from each academic unit based on nominations received. The distinction aims to acknowledge the professional dedication of educators and their commitment to supporting students. Award recipients receive a certificate of recognition and a monetary prize.
This year, the award at the Faculty of Pharmacy was presented to Professor Judit Pongrácz, who continues to support the student community as an active university professor, educator and mentor. According to the laudation, her lifetime achievements, exemplary academic career and longstanding commitment to talent development make her exceptionally deserving of the honour.
It was highlighted that through several decades of outstanding work in teaching and mentoring, Professor Pongrácz has played a pivotal role in the development of biotechnology education in Pécs and in training the next generation of researchers. Following the publication in 2009 of the award-winning textbook Medical Biotechnology by Elsevier, she initiated the launch of the English-language Biotechnology MSc programme at the UP Medical School in 2010, followed in 2022 by the English-language Biotechnology BSc programme at the Faculty of Pharmacy. Since their establishment, these programmes have provided high-quality professional education for both Hungarian and international students.
Her commitment to nurturing young talent is further demonstrated by the establishment of the Cholnoky László College for Advanced Studies in 2014, which has since become a defining professional community for students with a strong interest in biotechnology and pharmacy. In the same year, she received the Women in Science Excellence Award in recognition of her achievements in biotechnology research and for supervising numerous university theses, award-winning Undergraduate Research Society projects and PhD dissertations.
It was also emphasised that her work has repeatedly been recognised through the positive feedback of students and early-career colleagues. In 2017, she received the Genius Loci Award from the Association of Hungarian Talent Support Organizations for establishing a university spin-off company employing young researchers and providing an exemplary model for connecting education, research and innovation. In 2025, she became the first recipient of the Patronus Alumnorum Biotechnologiae Award. As the leader of several international educational development projects, she has also played a significant role in the continuous development of curricula and educational content, as well as in expanding international opportunities for biotechnology students.
Photo:
Szabolcs Csortos