University of Sopron's PhD students get inspired at Prestigious International Organizations in Paris

The visit to the OECD and UNESCO headquarters in France was made possible through a competitive application process, with support awarded to two students from the István Széchenyi Doctoral School of Management and Business Studies at the Lámfalussy Sándor Faculty of Economics. Over the course of the two days, the participants became familiar with the structure, activities, and current projects of both organizations, as well as their tasks related to Hungary. An OECD representative also presented the process and key findings of the report on improving the quality of digital higher education in Hungary.

The primary aim of the University of Sopron’s doctoral programs is to provide high-level scientific training for future educators and researchers, and to impart the competencies and knowledge essential for conducting research at the international level. Doctoral students are expected to design and carry out both primary and secondary research independently, as well as to critically analyze, evaluate, and synthesize academic literature. Acquiring and applying modern scientific methodologies and publishing research findings in both Hungarian and foreign languages are also fundamental requirements.

Research at the university places special emphasis on analyzing socioeconomic inequalities and international economic processes. Given that both the OECD and UNESCO are extensively involved in these areas, the methodological approaches and organizational practices observed during the Paris mobility program can be meaningfully integrated into the University of Sopron’s educational, research, and professional activities, as well as its current and future projects.

The international organizations visited — with their long-standing histories — are also focusing on addressing global challenges such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, environmental protection, and mitigating the effects of climate change. These themes hold particular significance for the University of Sopron, recognized as Hungary’s Green University. As the country’s first carbon-positive university, the institution has relevant expertise and a strong research background in these fields and has set the goal of further strengthening its collaboration with UNESCO and the OECD in the future.

The University of Sopron expresses its gratitude for the support provided by the OECD, UNESCO, and the Permanent Representation of Hungary in making this mobility program possible.

Sándor Kasza, Dr. Laura Sinóros-Szabó, and Miklós Légrádi at the OECD headquarters in Paris.

Representatives of the University of Sopron with François Staring (right side), Higher Education Policy Analyst at the OECD, in Paris.