On 14 May 2026, the 9th Scientific Debate Afternoon was organised by the Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation and the National Talent Programme. The event served as a prelude to the 20th Transcarpathian Student Research Conference, held to mark Ukrainian Science Day.
The aim of the debate afternoon was to provide intellectual inspiration and academic guidance to young people in higher education, who represent the future intellectuals and scientists of our community. Science is not merely about the systematisation of knowledge, but also entails the responsibility of passing on that knowledge: a communal value that binds generations together, stimulates thought, and contributes to prosperity in one’s homeland and the preservation of national identity. The programme also provided an opportunity for participants to meet renowned researchers, lecturers and experts, and to gain a broader perspective on current issues in science and society.
The theme of the event is linked each year to significant anniversaries and historical milestones: in 2025–2026, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding, in 2026 we commemorate the 350th anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Rakoczi II, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence, and the National Scientific Student Circle Conference (OTDK – 70) also celebrates its anniversary, the Transcarpathian Hungarian Academic Council (KMAT – 10) and the Transcarpathian Student Research Conference (KTDK – 20).
During the afternoon discussion, four experts gave presentations, including scholarship holders from the Ilona Zrinyi Transcarpathian Hungarian Specialized Course, speakers from the 20th KTDK, as well as students in higher education, young researchers and lecturers.
| Speaker | Institution | Title of presentation |
| Prof. Dr. István Csernicskó | Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University, Transcarpathian Hungarian Academic Council | KMAT – 10 |
| Prof. Dr Károly Kocsis | University of Miskolc, Hungarian Academy of Sciences | MTA200 |
| Prof. Dr Ferenc Tóth | Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian Academy of Sciences | Rákóczi – 350 |
| Prof. Dr Natália Váradi | Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University | ’56–70 |
In honour of the OTDK – 70 and KTDK – 20 anniversaries, a screening was held featuring recollections of the past two decades of the KTDK, offering an insight into the conference’s history, its community-building role and its defining moments.
The event was further enriched by a cultural programme: following the presentations, participants were able to watch the play Lélektánc (Soul Dance), performed by the Transcarpathian Regional Hungarian Drama Theatre.
The 9th Academic Debate Afternoon once again demonstrated that academic dialogue, the sharing of experience and the support of young researchers play a key role in shaping the future of our community. The event paid tribute to the defining values of our past whilst reinforcing the belief that knowledge, collective thinking and scientific curiosity are among the most important foundations for building the future.
Natália Váradi,
professional organiser of the programme,
Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University
