Digital Leap into the Future – New Environment and Media Studio at the University of Sopron

The project is being implemented under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) with funding from the European Union and co-financing from the Hungarian government. The large-scale initiative, titled "Digital Transformation in Education at the University of Sopron (SOE-DTO)," has now reached its fourth milestone with this development. The total grant for the project amounts to HUF 2.255 billion (gross), of which the digital equipment handed over today is worth HUF 355 million. The real estate development component exceeds HUF 300 million, funded entirely by the University of Sopron’s own resources.

Among the most visible results of the SOE-DTO project are six digitally equipped seminar rooms and an adjoining communal space on the ground floor of Campus B. The functional design and modern equipment cater to the needs of hybrid and interactive education, making the learning process more experiential, efficient, and up-to-date.

Additional digital classrooms have also been established: three modern seminar rooms at the Benedek Elek Faculty of Education and two seminar rooms plus two upgraded lecture halls at the Sándor Lámfalussy Faculty of Economics. A large lecture hall was also set up in Building B on the campus. These lecture halls are capable of live-streaming lectures, enabling modern distance learning and enhancing educational efficiency.

A standout feature of the developments is the university’s own media studio, equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology, opening new dimensions in education and institutional communication. The studio allows for the production of professional educational videos, podcasts, campaign films, and shows, made easily accessible to instructors and students through a digital booking system. Its services cover a wide spectrum—from creating scientific and educational videos and recording alumni interviews to practical training for communication students and even digitizing old university materials.

At the heart of the project is the redefinition of learning—through visual, interactive, and flexible methods that go beyond traditional education. The newly established digital learning environment and professional media studio lay the foundation for a future where the university not only renews its daily teaching practices but also actively shapes the digital evolution of higher education through independent content creation and broad knowledge-sharing.

At the event, Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing: "Today, we’ve reached another milestone: we’ve handed over the new IT center and studio, which not only serves the digitalization of education but also helps extend the University of Sopron’s reputation far beyond the city’s borders. This achievement is the fruit of our community’s collective work—students, faculty, staff, supporters, and city leaders made it possible. We believe that what we’ve sown now will soon bear abundant fruit. We thank everyone who is building the future of the University of Sopron with us."

Dr. Renáta Vanó, Deputy President for Higher Education at the Hungarian Educational Authority, highlighted in her ceremonial remarks: "The goal is for universities to serve as intellectual hubs and economic drivers of society. The University of Sopron has received support and has now achieved tangible results, particularly in educational investments supporting digital transformation."

At the ceremonial handover, the symbolic ribbon-cutting was performed by Dr. Renáta Vanó, Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, MP Attila Barcza, and András Khaut, Chairman of the Board of FÉSZ Zrt., officially inaugurating the new digital education center.

With this step, the University of Sopron has elevated the quality, accessibility, and experience of education while reinforcing its role in Hungary’s digital higher education renewal.