On May 23, 2025, Széchenyi István University once again proved it is more than an educational institution — it is a national center for engineering excellence and community spirit. Hosting the 11th “Bridges and Bridge Builders Day”, the university welcomed Hungary’s top professionals, educators, and students to celebrate the art and science of bridge building.
Held across iconic sites like the Kossuth and Jedlik Bridges, the Bridge Club, and the Kálóczy flood control house, the event showcased not just infrastructure, but the intellectual structures supporting Hungary’s next generation of engineers.
A Legacy of Excellence
With a long tradition dating back to the university’s predecessor — the Transportation and Telecommunication Technical College — Széchenyi István University has always been at the forefront of bridge engineering education. Courses in structural engineering, sustainability, and automation in construction are tied directly to industry needs, ensuring students are prepared for real-world challenges.
Names That Built the Foundation
During the opening, Dr. János Szép (Dean, Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transport Engineering) paid tribute to pioneers like Dr. Tibor Klatsmányi, after whom Győr’s award-winning Klatsmányi Bridge is named. His vision continues through faculty and researchers developing next-gen composite bridges, aesthetic structures, and green infrastructure solutions like timber-concrete hybrids.
From Research to Real Impact
Research at the university has led to innovations in bridge foundation optimization, bridge parapet construction technology, and smart monitoring. Recent developments even include digital tools and automation strategies aligned with future mobility and sustainable engineering goals.
Government and Industry Recognition
Hungarian State Secretary Dr. János Kerékgyártó praised recent bridge projects such as the Tomori Pál Bridge, opened in 2024, which won the Steel Structure of the Year Award. He also emphasized the growing importance of infrastructure in national mobility and regional connectivity — many of these efforts depend on the very engineers trained at Széchenyi University.
More Than Just Engineering
MP Róbert Balázs Simon spoke of Győr’s transformation into a modern city of bridges, crediting Széchenyi University’s academic and civic role. From only two Mosoni-Danube crossings in 2006, the city now boasts a network of strategic bridges, with plans for another linking Gyárváros and Bácsa.
Building More Than Bridges
The event also included dragon boating, concrete canoe demos, and interactive exhibits like drones, radar tech, and digital terrain modeling. Students participated in pasta bridge challenges, experiencing engineering through hands-on creativity and teamwork.
🔧 A Symbol of Unity and Future
In the words of János Magyar, Secretary General of the Bridge Builders’ Association:
“These gatherings not only celebrate tradition but strengthen community. Today we build bridges — both physical and human.”
Source: University of Széchenyi István
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