Sára Vida's success at the Korányi Forum
The history of Budapest's seventh district officially begins in 1873, and the past 150 years have been as full of events as the district itself has been full of residents. But we would now like to draw attention to an event of importance to us today, the Korányi Forum, held annually in the Hársfa Street building of the Frigyes Korányi College of Semmelweis University.
The Forum is similar to the scientific student conferences, but the two-round competition follows different rules. Internationally renowned panels of judges decide the winners based on their collective performance. This was the case this year on 28 March, when Sára Vida, a PhD student in Ádám Dénes' Neuroimmunology group, was among the participants. But let her tell you about it herself!
- The Korányi Forum, organised by the Korányi Frigyes Szakkollégégium of Semmelweis University, has become the largest Hungarian scientific conference organised by undergraduate students in the field of medicine and life sciences in recent years. It has grown into a serious tradition, as this year it was held for the XXIXth time. Since several of my direct colleagues - Eszter Szabadits, Csaba Cserép, Balázs Pósfai and Anett Schwarcz - had also successfully participated as students, it was only natural for me to apply. The Forum is characterised by a high professional standard, but its real speciality is the presentation format, which differs significantly from the classical TDK conferences: after a very fast-paced, one-minute "preview" presentation, we can present our work in poster form, which develops our presentation skills and debate culture in a completely different way.
- How and with what did you have to apply for the Forum?
As with the student conferences, this was done by abstract submission. This year, students competed in a total of 16 sections and 156 participants came from all over the country. The presentations were evaluated by a prestigious jury. Every year, renowned researchers and physicians are invited and this year was no different.
- When I read the names of the sections, I immediately thought you could have entered the neurosciences section!
- Exactly! Twelve students presented their work in this section, and indeed the field was strong and inspiring, with several of the first and second prize-winning speakers from this year's Semmelweis TDK conference. I was therefore particularly honoured to be recognised by the jury and to receive the only first prize in the section.
- Congratulations! Another TDK student worthy of emulation in the Dénes group, who will be referred to as a good example! What did you get as a winner and what else do you think is worth sharing with us about this win?
- In addition to the diploma, I was given the opportunity to attend the next MANET congress, offered by the Hungarian Neurological Society.
It was also of particular importance to me that the chair of our section, Professor Anita Kamondi, who is herself very knowledgeable about my research topic, personally congratulated me on my presentation.
- As someone who is talented and hard-working, to what do you attribute your success so far?
- I am grateful to my supervisors, Ádám Dénes and Balázs Pósfai, who have helped me throughout my work, guided me and supported me in presenting my research at national and international conferences and gaining valuable experience. Among others, I was able to participate in prestigious events such as the INC conference in Pécs, the EMBO conference in Genoa focusing on microglial cells, our main research topic, and the meeting in Volga organised by the HMAA. These events not only brought professional development but also contributed significantly to strengthening my presentation and debating skills. This has helped me to present my research with confidence - and perhaps increasingly in an accessible way.
- You can indeed consider yourself lucky, as not many people as an undergraduate have had access to this and so many opportunities. After all these conferences, what makes the Korányi Forum so special?
- I think its greatest value is that while the professional part is done with maximum professionalism, the atmosphere is much more informal and friendly than I have experienced at other similar events. This not only makes it easier to introduce yourself, but also makes it a motivating social experience.
Vida Sára