Semmelweis University’s Senate has approved sweeping reforms and reported record-breaking financial growth during its May 2025 meeting, signalling continued expansion in both academic and clinical operations.
The university’s 2024 annual and public benefit reports were formally adopted. Revenues climbed sharply to HUF 243 billion, up from HUF 192 billion in 2023, with an after-tax profit of HUF 7.8 billion. Chancellor Dr Lívia Pavlik described the year as “successful in every aspect,” with nearly HUF 20 billion invested in development and renovation projects. The university also grew its workforce by 14%, adding over 1,600 staff as services expanded.
The increase in revenue was largely attributed to a 30% boost in active patient care income, partly driven by the integration of the Rehabilitation Clinic and the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurointervention. The total value of university assets rose from HUF 223 billion to HUF 276 billion.
New Courses and Reforms
Two new elective courses were approved:
- Introduction to Clinical Research (in English), set to begin in autumn 2025, will introduce students to the principles of scientific medical inquiry.
- Criminal and Moral Evaluation of Health Services, focusing on corruption in healthcare, is a joint initiative of the university and the National Protective Service (NVSZ).
The Doctoral Regulations were also amended: students can no longer substitute 10% of required impact factor publications with non-impact publications. However, two first-authored meta-analyses will now fulfil the publication requirement. Public defences will no longer be permitted for candidates with outstanding library debts.
Structural and Operational Changes
The Senate endorsed the creation of the Rector’s Program Office, designed to streamline executive operations, and the Directorate of the Pediatric Center Clinical Block, aimed at improving management in one of the university’s largest clinical units following departmental mergers.
Other updates include:
- Amendments to the Organizational and Operational Rules.
- Introduction of the Pannonia In Excellence Scholarship to support academically and artistically talented international students.
- A HUF 250,000 cash prize added to the Dr István Szívós Athlete Medical Student Award, retroactive to this year’s recipients.
- Adjustments to student examination rules, ensuring uninterrupted progression even after failed exams.
- Updates to the Committee for Pharmaceutical Therapy, including the implementation of online voting.
The Senate also approved professor emeritus titles and reviewed seven senior leadership applications, including two for faculty deans.
Semmelweis University, a flagship institution in Hungarian medical education and research, says the changes reflect its ongoing strategy to strengthen academic quality, transparency, and international competitiveness.
Source: Semmelweis University
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