The Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH) Secretariat has established the Eötvös Loránd Research Network Prize and the Róbert Bárány Prize applicable to young researchers to recognize outstanding academic performance within the network. In addition, it has also launched the distribution of the title of Research Professor Emeritus. The 2021 ELKH Award Ceremony was held at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on November 9 as part of the “Celebration of the Hungarian Science“ program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

“It is important to identify the areas in which we have the capabilities, skills and resources to achieve outstanding results at an international level, while also contributing to the development of Hungarian science and the country. Dedicated, talented researchers play a vital role in helping us achieving our goals. We need to provide adequate research conditions, moral and financial recognition to retain them, and also to encourage those living abroad to return home. The establishment and distribution of the awards and titles presented today also serve this purpose,” emphasized Professor Miklós Maróth, President of ELKH.

Professor Tamás Freund, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and József Bódis, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Innovation and Vocational Training have also addressed the audience at the Award Ceremony.

After the Award Ceremony Professor Pál Fodor, turkologist, historian, Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, winner of the 2021 ELKH Prize and Professor José R. Calvo, Strategic Advisor at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, President of the Institute of International Relations of the Royal European Academy of Doctors, gave presentations.

Eötvös Loránd Research Network Prize

The purpose of establishing and presenting the Eötvös Loránd Research Network Prize (ELKH Prize) is primarily to offer moral and financial recognition to researchers belonging to the network for their outstanding professional work. The award is presented annually to a researcher who enjoys widespread appreciation in the scientific community at home and abroad, has an exceptional professional career, has achieved outstanding scientific performance, notable research results or patents.

In 2021 the ELKH Prize was awarded to Professor Pál Fodor, turkologist, historian, Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Pál Fodor was the Director General of the ELKH Research Centre for the Humanities (BTK) from 2012 to 2021 and is currently the honorary Director General of BTK. He is also Scientific Advisor at the Institute of History of BTK and Head of the Institute’s Medieval Department. He has been an active participant and shaper of both Hungarian and international scientific life for more than four decades.

His publications on many topics are also diverse in genre, ranging from large monographs to analytical studies, large-scale essays and extensive source publications. The approximately 20 volumes edited by him, mostly published by international publishers, have been invaluable to the presence and recognition of Hungarian historical science on an international level. He has been the leader of several research projects, the most important of which are the projects related to the siege of Szigetvár and the grave of Sultan Suleiman, as well as the battle of Mohács and its aftermath. The publications released in connection with these topics are among the most significant results of research into early modern Hungarian history.

His research, which has also received international recognition, has reinvigorated the study of the history of the Ottoman Empire in several ways. His most-acclaimed work in the academic world is an English-language monograph exploring the 17th-century changes in the administration and financial administration of the Ottoman Empire and the background to these changes. The work is undoubtedly one of the most significant individual achievements in international Ottoman research in recent decades.

With his modest but always determined and purposeful approach, Pál Fodor personifies the model image of Hungarian science, in which the unwavering commitment to universal Hungarian culture and spiritual history is coupled with a genuinely deep humanity and humility towards human values.

Róbert Bárány Prize

The purpose of establishing and awarding the Róbert Bárány Prize is to recognize the outstanding scientific work of young researchers under the age of 35 working in the ELKH network. In order to win the prize, applicants are invited to submit a project of significant scientific merit with findings achieved through individual work, such as a patent, an invention, a book, an article or series of articles, independent research findings or partial findings, or a doctoral dissertation in the social sciences.

Our colleagues who won the Róbert Bárány Prize of 2021

Marietta Kaskötő-Buka – Research Centre for the Humanities

Title of her award application: “Musica Sacra Hungariae: The History of Cecilianism in Hungary from 1897 to 1950”

In her doctoral dissertation submitted for the application, the researcher examines the history of music in Hungary in the first half of the last century from a new perspective. The work sheds light on the direct impact of the Cecilian Movement from Bavaria on Hungarian church music reform efforts, reconstructs the appearance and unfolding of reforms in Hungary, and examines church and press history and the stylistic and aesthetic aspects of the new church music repertoire.

Eszter Draskóczy – ELKH supported research group, MTA-SZTE Antiquity and Renaissance: Sources and Reception Research Group, BTK Institute for Literary Studies

Title of her award application: “Underworld Trials and Hellish Punishments. Antique and Medieval Sources of Dante’s Divine Comedy ”

Published this year, the researcher’s monograph has not only become the latest required reading in research on Dante in Hungary, it has also revealed new findings in several aspects of international studies of Dante. This is particularly significant as the world will commemorate the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death this year. The work, which is outstanding from both a theoretical and methodological point of view, can also be used in secondary and higher education.

Eszter Nagy – Research Centre for the Humanities

Title of her award application: “A World Chronicle for Philip the Fair”

In this commendable study, the researcher explores a complex creative process through a multifaceted analysis of the World Chronicle and convincingly reconstructs the collaboration between the author and the craftsman who decorated the codex. She also successfully proves that the same Flemish miniator had previously worked for King Matthias. Her research illustrates the value of studying minor craftsmen to explore medieval artistic relationships.

Research Professor Emeritus title

The purpose of establishing and presenting the title of Research Professor Emeritus is to recognize the successful research careers of researchers from the ELKH network, as well as their significant involvement in scientific organization.

Our collague who is awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 2021:

Gábor Gyáni – Research Centre for the Humanities

Gábor Gyáni is an essential figure in modern Hungarian social history research, while his historical and historiographical works are also highly significant. As a university lecturer, he has played an important role in educating the talent of the future. He has always encouraged the younger generation to raise new questions and launch research to meet gaps in our knowledge at both the institute and the university.

Article first published at elkh.org