For Transcarpathian Hungarian Youth in the Service of Talents – The 2025 Annual Assessment Report of the GJA

In 2025, the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation continued its talent search, talent nurturing, and talent support activities—ongoing since 2011—as an institution of national importance, an accredited Excellent Talent Point, and a European Talent Point, because we continue to believe that talent lies hidden in every young person.

Our programs in 2025 included, but were not limited to:

Competition Preparation Weekends

X. Mathematics Talent Nurturing and Competition Preparation Weekends

The mathematics competition preparation weekends took place for the tenth time at the Rákóczi University. The talent nurturing program was held between November 22–24, 2024, December 6–8, 2024, and February 14–16, 2025. Among the invited students, 66 participated in the first weekend, 38 in the second, and 40 in the third, representing 20 different educational institutions. During the program, a total of 13 qualified educators worked with the young talents.

XI.  Mathematics Talent Nurturing and Competition Preparation Weekends

In the 2025/2026 academic year, mathematics talents received invitations for the eleventh time to participate in the mathematics competition preparation weekends held over 3×3 weekends at the Rákóczi University base. The first session took place on December 12, 2025, with the second scheduled for February 6–8, 2026, and the third for February 20–22, 2026. 56 children participated in the talent nurturing program from 17 institutions, instructed by 21 teachers and assisted by 1 university mentor.

X. Biology, Chemistry, Geography Talent Nurturing and Competition Preparation Weekends

The biology, geography, and chemistry talent nurturing weekends were realized for the tenth time. Dates: September 12–14, 2025; October 10–12, 2025; and February 6–8, 2026. The program takes place at the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University and at the RFKME Forest School and Research Base in Nagydobrony (Velyka Dobron). Over the past ten years, a total of 283 young people have participated in the program; this year, 22 students (8 biologists, 7 chemists, and 7 geographers) representing 13 institutions indicated their intention to participate.

IV. Checkered Lily (Fritillaria) Tour

Students participating in the biology, chemistry, and geography talent nurturing weekends, together with instructors and students from the Transcarpathian Hungarian Lyceum and the Department of Biology and Chemistry, participated in the fourth Checkered Lily Tour on April 4, 2025, in the area of the Nagydobrony Wildlife Reserve, under the professional direction of Department Head Dr. Erzsébet Kohut. At the beginning of the tour, participants departed in centrally organized vehicles to the Rákóczi University Forest School and Research Base in appropriate field attire. From there, they continued their journey to the banks of the Szernye Canal, then crossed by canoe to the Masonca Meadow. On the meadow, they viewed the highly protected checkered lilies (Fritillaria meleagris).

Summer Camps

In the summer of 2025, the Foundation conducted a total of 9 summer camps in Transcarpathia over 4 weeks, in 4 settlements (Beregszász/Berehove, Nagydobrony/Velyka Dobron, Kisgejőc/Mali Heivtsi, Tiszapéterfalva/Pyiterfolvo), at 5 locations (based in institutions established by the Rákóczi University). In the 10th camp, the winners of the “Nightingale Sings” (Szól a Fülemüle) Talent Search held in the spring were able to participate in Dunaszerdahely (Dunajská Streda).

Eight specialized camps were realized with the support of the Prime Minister’s Office, the State Secretariat for National Policy, and the Bethlen Gábor Fund, while the “Magic of Music” (ZeneVarázslat) classical music camp, held for the first time, was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. The camps targeted young people aged 8–16, arriving from 65 educational institutions.

XV. Bereg Region Folk Music and Folk Dance Camp – Held between June 30 – July 4, 2025, at the Vocational Training Institute of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University. The camp was led by Gabriella Szilágyiné Tóth. During the week, 12 instructors worked to ensure meaningful and experience-rich days for the participants. Their work was supported by 7 university students serving as mentors, actively participating in the organization of programs. 42 people applied for the program, and a total of 40 participated representing 14 educational institutions from 12 settlements. At the end of the camp, the young people delighted their parents with a closing show, presenting several productions in different specialized groups. The GJA presented certificates of appreciation to the past leaders of the camp, and they cut the celebratory cake together.

Performance of “Nightingale” Talents in Dunaszerdahely

The folk dancer winners of the XI. “The Nightingale Sings” (Szól a Fülemüle) – Transcarpathian Folk Music and Folk Dance Talent Search, organized by the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation, participated in a 5-day camp between July 7–11, 2025. As a reward for their excellent performance, they were given the opportunity to perform at the 16th Dunaszerdahely Court Music event series in Dunaszerdahely on July 9, 2025. The event aims to offer cultured and high-quality evening entertainment to the residents of the city and its surroundings while giving space to the diversity of musical genres. Transcarpathia was represented by members of the Orchidea Folk Dance Group, soloists of the Csüllő Folk Dance Ensemble, members of the Eszenyi Ritmus Folk Dance Ensemble, the Kék Viola Folk Dance Ensemble, and folk dancers from the Csomai Cultural House. The young dancers also performed at the concert of the 16th Dunaszerdahely Court Music, where they were a great success. The soloists stayed with local families who welcomed them with love and a homely environment. The trip provided not only professional but also humanly valuable experiences for the members of the dance ensemble.

I. “Magic of Music” (ZeneVarázslat) Classical Music Camp – Realized between July 21–26 at the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University. The aim of the camp was to strengthen the musical life of the region, unfold young talents, and transmit the community-building values of classical music. 54 young people and 17 preparatory teachers from 22 settlements and 12 art schools participated in the program in four instrumental groups (piano, strings, woodwinds, accordion). Participants studied in groups named after famous composers and, in addition to instrumental lessons, took part in art therapy, painting, stage movement, as well as singing and pedagogical sessions. The camp was made complete by wide-ranging professional cooperation, and the week concluded with intensive individual and group work, as well as introductory concerts.

V. Ung Region Sports Camp – Realized between July 28 – August 2, 2025, in Nagydobrony. The professional supervisor was László Kiss Jr., football coach of the Nagydobrony Good Samaritan Reformed Children’s Home. Young sports enthusiasts arrived from six settlements and seven educational institutions in Transcarpathia, totaling 36 students taught by 5 teachers with the assistance of 4 university mentors. Participants practiced in four groups, including table tennis, football, basketball, handball, volleyball, badminton, karate, fitness, ball handling with feet, chess, and checkers, both individually and in teams. Besides group training, students participated in varied programs: they visited the II. RFKMF Forest School in the Nagydobrony Wildlife Reserve, tried movement and folk games, and had the opportunity to canoe on the nearby Szernye Canal.

VIII. Ung Region Folk Music and Folk Dance Camp – Took place between July 28 and August 2 at the Nagydobrony Training Center of the II. RFKME Egán Ede Vocational Training Center, where 18 young people participated from 7 settlements, representing 5 schools. The camp was led by recognized professionals, including members of the Csipkés band, folk dance and singing instructors, and craft masters, supported by university students and local mentors. Participants mastered melodies, dances, and children’s game traditions of various Hungarian regions in intensive professional sessions. A showcase concert crowned the joint work at the end of the week.

VI. Guitar, Song, and Poetry Camp – Realized between July 28 and August 2, 2025, with 25 young participants from 11 Transcarpathian settlements to get acquainted with the world of music, poetry, and performing arts in a playful and deep form. The professional work of the camp was directed by five instructors led by Eleonóra Bogáthy, assisted by three university students. During the week, participants attended guitar and singing lessons, poetry adaptations, craft sessions, and literary montage making, and visited the Cipő Memorial House, getting to know the lifework of the frontman of the Republic band. At the closing concert, they accounted for their creative work during the week with dramatized poetry, set poems, and Republic songs.

XV. Mária Jankovics Creative Art Camp (1st Turn) – Took place between July 28 – August 2, 2025, for Transcarpathian schoolchildren attracted to fine arts, painting, sculpture, and drawing. The young aspiring artists arrived from 14 different settlements and 15 educational institutions of Transcarpathia, totaling 30 participants. The leader of the camp is Ágnes Kulin, president of the Révész Imre Society. Five professionals led the children in the camp, where they could master the basics of graphic, painting, and sculptural techniques in various thematic sessions, and deepen their knowledge of the world of art through tasks adapted to their age group. The program was aligned with significant art anniversaries of the year, enriching students’ experiences with thematic workshops, lectures, and optional activities (craft techniques, origami, batik, decoration), with sports and games awaiting them in the afternoons. As a closing of the camp, the completed works were presented at a ceremonial exhibition on August 1, supplemented by a quiz where participants could demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

V. Ugocsa Region Sports Camp – Realized between July 28 – August 2, 2025, in Tiszapéterfalva. The professional supervisor was József Hadinyák, PE teacher at the Péterfalva Reformed Lyceum. 40 people participated in the camp, attended by 6 qualified teachers and 1 karate coach, with the help of 6 intern college students and 1 nurse. The sports-loving youth arrived from 14 different settlements and 8 educational institutions in Transcarpathia. The sessions took place in 3 groups across several sports areas. Children could improve themselves in table tennis, foosball, football, basketball, handball, volleyball, badminton, kyokushin karate, chess, checkers, and other board and logic games, both individually and in teams. The venue was provided by the Tiszapéterfalva Vocational Training Center of the Rákóczi University Egán Ede Vocational Training Center and the Péterfalva Reformed Lyceum.

XV. Mária Jankovics Creative Art Camp (2nd Turn) – Realized between August 4–9, 2025, with 33 participants in Tiszapéterfalva, at the Tiszapéterfalva Vocational Training Center of the Rákóczi University Egán Ede Vocational Training Center, with a program matching the theme of the Beregszász turn. The young aspiring artists arrived from 16 different settlements and 16 educational institutions in Transcarpathia, totaling 33 participants. During the week, each group created its own flag and anthem, with which they marched ceremoniously to the closing exhibition held on August 8, 2025. The closing program of the camp was a quiz competition where the young people could give an account of the knowledge and experiences gained during the week.

VIII. Bereg Region Sports Camp – Realized between August 4–9, 2025, in Beregszász, with 40 students participating, attended by 5 qualified PE teachers, 1 karate coach, and 10 university intern mentors with the help of 1 nurse. The professional supervisor of the camp was Árpád Vizáver, Director of the Health and Sports Center of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University, and PE teacher at the university. Among the mentors was Krisztina Kopor, 2nd place winner of the 2023 Artistic Cycling World Cup in Kisvárda, member of the Nagybereg Artistic Cycling team. The sports-loving youth arrived from 10 different settlements and 11 educational institutions in Transcarpathia, totaling 40 participants. The sessions took place in 3 groups, where children could improve themselves in several sports areas (table tennis, athletics, football, karate, basketball, handball, volleyball, badminton, ball handling, foosball, darts, chess, checkers, etc.), both individually and in teams. The presentation of certificates and reward medals for results achieved in sports competitions took place on August 8, 2025, at the camp closing event. The awards were presented to the young athletes by Dr. Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation; Dr. Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Training, and Youth at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation; Dr. Ildikó Orosz, President of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University and the Transcarpathian Hungarian Pedagogical Association, county representative; and Prof. Dr. István Csernicskó, Rector of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University and President of the Transcarpathian Hungarian Academic Council.

Sports Programs

20 Handball Talent Points

In the summer of 2022, the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation, in cooperation with Rákóczi University and the Sports Academy Center of the Hungarian Handball Federation, and with the support of the Hungarian Government, established Handball Talent Points with full coverage of Transcarpathia. The goal of the program: to popularize handball in Transcarpathian schools, to search for young talented handball players, to provide competition opportunities, and to bring back the old reputation of handball in our region.

In the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, training sessions took place in 52 groups with 808 children participating from 37 Transcarpathian educational institutions with 26 coaches.

XIII. Jenő Buzánszky Football Cup

The cup took place on April 12, 2025, in two categories on 8 fields: Friendship Stadium – Field I, Friendship Stadium – Field II, Beregszász Bethlen Gábor Lyceum, Beregszász Kossuth Lajos Lyceum, II. RFKMF Health and Sports Center, II. RF KMF Vocational Training Institute, Nagybereg Dobrai Péter Secondary School, Ferenc Pásztor Community and Pilgrim House sports field. 31 teams from 26 educational institutions submitted their applications (16 in primary school, 15 in secondary school boys’ categories), with a total of 313 players and 27 coaches, who competed on April 12, 2025, in a round-robin system with a 5+1 lineup (small-field match), in 1×15 minute playing time.

XII. József Zupkó Handball Memorial Tournament

The XII. József Zupkó Handball Memorial Tournament was realized on May 10, 2025. 40 teams registered from 21 institutions in Transcarpathia in 15 competition categories; however, due to a lack of opponents, 5 categories did not start. A total of 36 teams competed in the tournament, meaning a total of 417 young athletes. The competition took place in a round-robin format at 3 locations and 4 sports fields: II. RFKMF Health and Sports Center indoor and outdoor courts, II. RFKMF FSZI outdoor court, and the Ferenc Pásztor Community and Pilgrim House.

Spring training for the coaches of the 20 GENIUS Handball Talent Points in Hajdúnánás

On April 25, 2025, the National Youth Coach Training was held in Hajdúnánás, organized by the Hungarian Handball Federation to raise the standard of youth handball and expand the professional knowledge of coaches. Youth coaches from different parts of the country participated in the event, including three professionals from the “GENIUS” Handball Talent Point: Ildikó Oláh, Katalin Kaszonyi, and Zoltán Szilágyi. The aim of the program was to transfer the latest training methods, as well as technical and tactical knowledge. Special attention was paid to the development of 2nd–5th grade and U12–U15 age groups.

Autumn training for Handball coaches

On November 22–23, 2025, training organized for the physical education teachers of the 20 Handball Talent Points was held at the Rákóczi University base, where they could participate in theoretical and practical sessions led by László Horváth, József Varga, and Ferenc Martinovics. The focus of the training was motivating young athletes, injury prevention, developing technical-tactical skills and decision-making, highlighting the importance of conscious, gradual work and a long-term perspective. Students of the Beregszász No. 2 Handball Talent Point and the selected team of the GENIUS Handball Talent Point worked on practical tasks and skill development exercises while also gaining community-building experiences. The workshop emphasized the importance of cross-border sports relations and the community-forming power of handball among Transcarpathian Hungarian youth.

III. Rákóczi GENIUS Handball Cup

Realized on December 6, 2025, at three locations (Rákóczi University Health and Sports Center, Rákóczi University FSZI, “Kárpátalja” Sports Complex). Registration was open in 10 categories – boys, girls, and mixed – and for age groups 10-18. 360 people from 20 Talent Points applied for the Cup. The tournament took place in a total of 7 categories with round-robin matches.

The Work of the 15 Talent Points

Talent Nurturing Sessions

In the 2025/2026 academic year, 1534 children applied to the 15 Talent Points. In most Talent Points, sessions took place on October 18, November 8, and November 22, 2025. In the Aknaszlatina Talent Point, the first talent nurturing session of the academic year took place on October 25, and in Karácsfalva and Péterfalva, the second took place on November 15.

A total of 262 teachers taught in the sessions, with the participation of 67 accompanying teachers and 73 schools. 1278 lessons were held, which were 4×45 minutes for lower grades and 3×60 minutes for upper grades.

Classical Music and Folk Art Programs

XI. “The Nightingale Sings!” (Szól a Fülemüle!) – Transcarpathian Folk Music and Folk Dance Talent Search

The “GENIUS” Charity Foundation organized the “The Nightingale Sings!” Transcarpathian folk music and folk dance talent search for the XI. time, with the support of the Transcarpathian branch of the Heritage House Network and under the patronage of the Pál family. The aim of the program is for young people aged 7–17 to get to know the values of Hungarian folk music and folk dance as widely as possible. Students receiving such education in Transcarpathia could enter with authentic Hungarian folk music or folk dance productions. Due to high interest, the competition was held on two days: the folk music category on April 26, 2025, and the folk dance category on May 3. During the application period, 137 productions and 625 young people registered; of these, 612 took the stage with 131 productions, with the cooperation of 23 institutions and 54 preparatory teachers. The venue was again the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University. On the folk music day, the jury evaluated 74 productions, and on the folk dance day, 57 performances, the latter accompanied by the Flaska Banda. Before the announcement of results, a professional workshop was held for the teachers where the jury gave feedback. Teacher special prizes were also awarded on both days.

VII. “Magic of Music” (ZeneVarázslat) Training and Concert

The classical music talent nurturing program was realized between January 27 and June 4, 2025, in 120 hours, under the main patronage of Dr. Eszter Vitályos, Government Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office of the Hungarian Government, State Secretary responsible for government communication. 25 young pianists from three Transcarpathian art schools were admitted to the program as students of 9 piano teachers. The first concert took place on March 14 in the Esztergom Hall of the Rákóczi University. Due to high interest, an additional 15 young people could join the program for 30 hours, prepared by 5 teachers from 4 art schools. At the concert closing the training on June 4, all 40 participants presented their knowledge, received the certificate verifying the completion of the courses, and received talent tokens, after which all of them participated in the I. “Magic of Music” classical music camp held between July 21–26 at the Rákóczi University base.

Transcarpathian Talents on the Virtuosos Stage

The world-famous Virtuosos international classical music talent search show provided an opportunity again this year for young classical musicians to showcase their outstanding talent. The jubilee tenth season paid special attention to finding Hungarian talents across the border, and with the support of Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy, foreign pre-selections were organized separately. Transcarpathia was represented by eight talents from the Beregszász, Kaszony, Péterfalva, and Verbőc Art Schools at the pre-selection on January 18–20, 2025, accompanied by 8 preparatory teachers, concertmasters, and 4 parents; the pianists were students of the ZeneVarázslat training led by Andrea Várnagy. During the three-day program, they participated in master classes and cultural events, such as the Concerto Budapest Violin Gala at the Academy of Music. Three young people advanced to the semi-finals: Bence Csákvári from Upper Hungary (Slovakia), and Máté Paládi and Dániel Miklós Szülek from Transcarpathia, who received their certificates from Minister Balázs Hankó and Virtuosos founder Mariann Peller.

“Nightingale” Talents at the II. Kecskemét Youth Festival

Between May 21–23, 2025, the Kecskemét Youth Festival was organized for the second time by the Municipality of Kecskemét County Rank City, with the main goal of youth community building. In addition to entertainment and cultural programs, the multi-day event enriched participants with lectures, workshops, and roundtable discussions. Transcarpathia was represented by the Reménység Folk Dance Ensemble, who received a reward prize for their outstanding performance in the dancer category of the “The Nightingale Sings!” – XI. Transcarpathian Folk Music and Folk Dance Talent Search organized by the “GENIUS” CF on May 3, 2025. The dance corps representing the Péterfalva Art School achieved gold qualification in the II. age group (12–17 years old); their preparatory teachers were Benita Mondics, Kristóf Nagy-Kasza, and Alexandra Török.

Performance of GENIUS Talents at the X. Brussels Transcarpathian Day

In 2025, the ZeneVarázslat training was realized in a total of 120 hours, of which two concerts formed an integral part. The first concert took place on March 14, 2025, in the Esztergom Hall of the Rákóczi University, honored by the presence of Viktória Ferenc, Member of the European Parliament. The extremely positive experiences at the event, the outstanding talent of the young participants, and the community-building power of music encouraged the representative to invite the young musicians of the ZeneVarázslat program to perform at the X. Brussels Transcarpathian Days held on November 19, 2025. Thus, Andrea Várnagy and the students of the “ZeneVarázslat” program gave a concert titled “Sounds of Hope – Magic of Music from Transcarpathia to Brussels” at the jubilee. Szvetlána Barna, head of the piano department of the Beregszász Zoltán Kodály Art School, and 9 young musicians contributed to the concert.

Cultural Programs

XIV. Transcarpathian Talent Day

The Transcarpathian Talent Day is the ceremonial academic year-closing event of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation, which was realized for the fourteenth time on June 7, 2025. The XIV. Transcarpathian Talent Day provided an opportunity to award numerous scholarships and certificates: KMPSZ subject competitions I-III places (233 people), Ady Endre Scholarship (24 people), Szent Imre Scholarship (5 people), Ilona Zrínyi College for Advanced Studies research scholarship (32 students and 32 tutors), Degree Nostrification Scholarship (7 people), Ferenc Kölcsey College for Advanced Studies (32 people), ECL Language Exam certificates (11 people). The event program was colored by performances from: Dániel Miklós Szülek, Volodimir Bogacsov, Rezeda Zither Ensemble, Beregszász Accordionists, Hanna Demeter, Zsófia Kláriková, Rezeda Folk Dance Ensemble. The ceremony ended with the cutting and consumption of cakes.

Ceremonial Presentation of “Köbüki” Certificates

The Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) announced the “Köbüki” talent nurturing teacher scholarship in 2024 as well, aiming to recognize and support the professional activity of pedagogues and instructors actively involved in talent nurturing. From Transcarpathia, a total of 93 educators won the scholarship from 26 educational institutions. One person from the Beregszász Lajos Kossuth Lyceum in the A component category, while 92 were winners of the B component. 77 educators from the 15 GENIUS Talent Points won the scholarship, and an additional 5 teachers performed various tasks in one of the 11 GENIUS specialized camps or talent search programs. Thus, it can be stated that the majority of the scholarship holders, i.e., 82 people, are professionals of the GENIUS talent nurturing programs. On March 22, 2025, the certificates were presented in a ceremonial setting at the Beregardó Culture Mansion to those Transcarpathian educational institutions where Köbüki scholarship winners are active. The event was honored by the presence of Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, and Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary responsible for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Training, and Youth.

Scientific Events and Conferences

Participation in the 37th National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference (OTDK)

The 37th OTDK began on March 24, 2025, and concluded on April 30, being one of Hungary’s most significant scientific events where students from Hungarian higher education institutions in the motherland and across the borders can present their research results. Rákóczi University was represented in 9 scientific fields out of 16 sections as presenters, jury members, observer teachers, or students. Transcarpathian students qualified for the national competition based on their results at the Transcarpathian Scientific Students’ Conference organized by the II. RFKME and the “GENIUS” CF. Thanks to this, 37 students participated with 43 papers; of them, 14 uploaded 15 papers to the OTDK online system in three different sections.

VIII. Scientific Debate Afternoon

The program took place for the eighth time on May 15, 2025, aiming to provide intellectual nourishment and inspiration to young people studying in higher education. The event is built around current anniversaries every year. 2025 is rich in anniversaries: The Hungarian Academy of Sciences was established 200 years ago, Mór Jókai was born 200 years ago, World War II ended 80 years ago, and the National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference is 70 years old. Among the speakers of the Debate Afternoon were five recognized professionals: Prof. Dr. Károly Kocsis, Széchenyi Prize-winning geographer, academician; Prof. Dr. Tamás Weiszburg, professor at ELTE; Dr. habil. Barbara Bank, associate professor at PPKE; Dr. habil. Oguz Kelemen, institute director at SZTE; and Prof. Dr. Mihály Szajbély, institute director at SZTE. Participants included scholars of the Ilona Zrínyi Transcarpathian Hungarian College for Advanced Studies, presenters of the XIX. KTDK, as well as higher education students and young researchers. The program concluded with a cultural evening and informal conversation at the Perényi Culture Mansion.

Transcarpathian Scientific Students’ Conference (KTDK)

The KTDK is held every May on the occasion of the Ukrainian Science Day, this year on May 16, 2025, organized by the II. RFKME and the “GENIUS” CF in cooperation with the TDK Without Borders (HTDK) program of the National Scientific Students’ Council. Its goal is the professional development of students in Transcarpathian higher education, encouraging networking, and deepening scientific collaborations. 49 young people entered the conference with 50 papers from 3 higher education institutions. One competitor presented in 2 different sections, and 3 people participated as guest presenters. The submitted papers were critiqued by 43 opponents (18 from across the border and 25 from Transcarpathia) from a total of 13 higher education and scientific institutions. The conference presentations took place in 8 sections. 50 jury members were invited to the sections, including 21 professionals from across the border and 29 from Transcarpathia. The professional committee recommended the papers of 24 people for presentation at the National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference to be held in the spring of 2027.

XXII. Conference of Young Transcarpathian Hungarian Researchers (FKK)

The Conference of Young Transcarpathian Hungarian Researchers (FKK) is realized every autumn on the occasion of the Celebration of Hungarian Science. The event was again included in the event series of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ Celebration of Hungarian Science (MTÜ), the motto of which this year was: “200 years in the service of knowledge and society.” The goal of the FKK is to provide an opportunity for doctoral students and candidates researching in various scientific fields, or young people wishing to continue their studies after university, to present their research results, meet professionals, and gather experience. Transcarpathian Hungarian researchers not older than 35 years, holding a bachelor’s degree but not yet a scientific degree, could apply for the conference between May 27 – September 30, 2025. The scientific forum took place on November 7, 2025, with presentations in 3 sections with 15 presenters: Economics and Pedagogy Sciences Section, Linguistics and Literary Science Section, History and Social Sciences Section. The work of the 3 sections was assisted by 15 recognized professionals from 5 institutions from across the border and Transcarpathia.

Scholarship Programs

Ady Endre Scholarship Program

The Foundation announces the Ady Endre scholarship every year for socially disadvantaged, outstandingly talented students of Hungarian nationality participating in Hungarian-language education in Transcarpathia, in grades 6–11 in the 2025/2026 academic year. Applications could be submitted between September 1 – October 1, 2025. 83 applications were received from 24 Transcarpathian educational institutions. On October 24, 2025, following the scoring of the submitted documents, the Transcarpathian Talent Support Council made its proposal for the 24 scholarship holders to the issuers and supporters of the tender.

Collegium Talentum Scholarship Program

The call for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year was published on July 1, 2025, and applications could be submitted electronically until July 21. Since the launch of the program in 2016, 38 students have participated, 11 of whom have already obtained a scientific degree. This year, 6 applicants registered from Transcarpathia and passed the entrance exam on August 25; 3 of them started with research topics in history, 1 in national relations, 1 in economics, and 1 in mathematics and pedagogy. After the oral exam, the Admissions Committee established a ranking and made a recommendation to the Board of Trustees of the Sapientia Hungariae Foundation.

Soós Kálmán Scholarship Program

The Soós Kálmán scholarship program was announced for the 14th time in the 2025/2026 academic year. The application period lasted from May 27 to September 30, 2025, during which 68 applicants submitted a total of 73 papers. Based on the decision of the Transcarpathian Higher Education Talent Nurturing Council, all 73 applications received a scholarship. The program aims to encourage Hungarian students and instructors of Transcarpathian higher education institutions to undertake scientific work, develop Hungarian scientific terminology, support cooperation between Hungarian-language departments and institutions, help students of majors not available in Hungarian, and encourage research related to the region, while paying tribute to Dr. Kálmán Soós, the tragically deceased founding rector of the Rákóczi University. The scholarship program consists of three sub-programs:

Transcarpathian Traveling University: Applications are invited from teachers and researchers working in Transcarpathian higher education institutions who give lectures on topics of general interest at the Beregszász, Ungvár, and Radvánc colleges for advanced studies, and at the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University. This year 4 professionals applied, all instructors of Rákóczi University.

Preparation of Hungarian-language educational notes and specialized dictionaries: The aim is to support the preparation of notes and dictionaries by Transcarpathian Hungarian instructors for subjects where Hungarian-language material is not or only scarcely available. This year 12 notes were received from 11 applicants.

Support for research related to Transcarpathia: Applications were invited from students who wrote and defended their thesis in Hungarian in the last two academic years, and their topic is related to Transcarpathia. 57 applications were received from 53 applicants.

The submitted applications were evaluated by the Transcarpathian Higher Education Talent Nurturing Council and professionals designated by it. The ceremonial presentation of the Soós Kálmán scholarships took place on October 27, 2025.

Ilona Zrínyi Transcarpathian Hungarian College for Advanced Studies

Applications for the College for Advanced Studies could be submitted between December 12, 2024, and January 10, 2025, for students studying full-time in years 3–6 of Transcarpathian higher education with excellent results. The 33 applicants are students of the Rákóczi University, of whom 32 took an entrance exam on January 17, 2025, before the eleven-member Admissions Examination Committee. Nineteen are in bachelor’s training, thirteen in master’s training. Twenty-two applied for the program for the first time, eight for the second time, and two for the third time. The Council recommended all 32 people for the scholarship. They received their scholarships and certificates of recognition at the XIV. Transcarpathian Talent Day.

Degree Nostrification Scholarship

The “GENIUS” CF announced the Degree Nostrification Scholarship in the 2024/2025 academic year as well. Ukrainian citizens of Hungarian nationality who have successfully naturalized (recognized/nostrified) their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree obtained at a Hungarian higher education institution could apply. Applications were open between December 12, 2024, and April 11, 2025. 7 persons submitted 8 applications: the successful nostrification of 3 BSc level, 3 MSc, and 2 PhD degrees in Ukraine was supported.

Work of the Transcarpathian Talent Support Council

The Body met several times to ensure that the various talent nurturing programs are implemented professionally and at a high standard.

The academic year opening council meeting took place on September 24, 2025.

On October 10, 2025, the Body met to review and score the requests received for the Ady Endre scholarship.

On October 24, 2025, the evaluation and adjudication of the applications received for the Ady Endre scholarship took place, determining the list of 24 winners.

Work of the Transcarpathian Higher Education Talent Nurturing Council (KFTT)

The primary goal of the Body is to search for and support talented Hungarian students studying in Transcarpathian higher education institutions.

The Body met on January 17, 2025, to adjudicate the results of the Ilona Zrínyi College for Advanced Studies entrance exam.

On October 9, 2025, the KFTT decided via online voting on the support of applications received for the Soós Kálmán scholarship and approved the details of the Traveling University and the XXII. FKK.

Work of the Agora Information Center

In 2025, it successfully conducted the Young Cross-border Instructor Scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic year. The regional pre-evaluation committee awarded the scholarship to 13 instructors. The “Home Country Study Support” was also conducted in the 2024/2025 academic year, within which 50 students in bachelor’s training, 49 in master’s training, and 12 aspirants in PhD training won the scholarship. The awarding of the Hunyadi János scholarship by the KMÖT also took place.

Introductions of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation

Collegium Talentum Scholarship Holder Meeting in Beregdaróc

The Collegium Talentum research program organizes a meeting for scholarship holders every academic year. Due to the high number of participants, it was realized as a mirror program on 2 occasions in Beregdaróc and Beregszász. On January 4 and 11, 2025, in Beregdaróc, Dr. habil. Natália Váradi, director of the GJA, presented the foundation’s talent nurturing activities.

Introduction at the Szent Imre College in Lakitelek

The 6th occasion of the Szent Imre College was held between March 7–9, 2025, at the Hungarikum Liget in Lakitelek. The “GENIUS” Charity Foundation was also represented at the event, presenting its talent nurturing programs.

Participation in the Professional Days of the Heritage House

On April 3 and 4, 2025, the Heritage House held professional days. At the roundtable discussion titled “Traditions and Community in Transcarpathia,” Natália Váradi, director of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation, presented the talent nurturing work carried out by the GJA in the field of folk art.

Presentation of Research Scholarships at the MTA 200 Transcarpathian Days

On May 22, 2025, in Budapest, at the Transcarpathian program series of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Natália Váradi presented the results of the Ilona Zrínyi College for Advanced Studies and the Collegium Talentum Transcarpathian programs.

Introduction at the X. Brussels Transcarpathian Day

On November 19, 2025, the X. Brussels Transcarpathian Day was organized at the Liszt Institute in Brussels, to which Dr. habil. Natália Váradi was also invited. During a roundtable discussion titled “Renew the Strong Spirit Within Me – Roundtable on Mental Health and Resilience in Transcarpathia in the Shadow of War,” she shared her experiences and presented the Foundation’s talent nurturing activity.

Accreditation of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation

Staff of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation participated in the online accreditation preparatory workshop held by the Association of Hungarian Talent Support Organizations (MATEHETSZ) on October 7, 2025. Following the accreditation application submitted on October 10, “GENIUS” was included among the 150 talent points undergoing accreditation; the necessary documents have been uploaded, and they are now awaiting expert evaluation.

We hereby also thank the Hungarian Government, the State Secretariat for National Policy of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Bethlen Gábor Fund Management Ltd., the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the National Talent Program, the Tempus Public Foundation, the Hungarian Handball Federation, and the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University for the financial support, and the council members, coordinators, instructors, and staff for their persistent, sacrificial work.

Dr. habil. Natália Váradi,

Director of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation

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