From student innovations to energy strategy, Hungary is deepening its collaboration with Rosatom. The national stage of the Global HackAtom championship recently concluded in Debrecen, where students proposed digital solutions for nuclear energy. Meanwhile, at a forum in Serbia, discussions focused on expanding nuclear power in the region with support from Russian technology.
On May 19–20, the University of Debrecen hosted the national round of Global HackAtom, an international student competition organized by Rosatom.
Teams had 24 hours to develop the best solution for a nuclear industry case study. Eleven teams from three Hungarian universities registered, with eight working on expanding the use of nuclear technology in medicine. The students had to tackle the challenge titled “All-round digital patient management systems for nuclear medicine centers—from initial diagnosis through rehabilitation and recovery.”
The first day featured scientific and educational lectures by experts from the Tomsk Polytechnic University (one of Rosatom’s key academic partners), along with meetings involving faculty members, the head of the research nuclear reactor, and representatives from Rosatom. On the second day, teams presented their projects. Three winning teams received awards and souvenirs from Rosatom.
The winning team, IsotopeX from Debrecen University, will represent Hungary in the Global HackAtom finals, which are set to take place in Russia in September 2025 as part of the World Atomic Week festival.
“Thanks to Rosatom, we have developed a nuclear energy curriculum at our university, preparing professionals for various fields related to nuclear power and nuclear medicine,” said Zoltán Szilvássy, Rector of the University of Debrecen. The partnership between the university and Rosatom helped the young contestants gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, particularly those in medicine, which will benefit their careers, he stressed. According to the rector, the University of Debrecen is Hungary’s only institution involved in research, production, and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and radiotherapy.
Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, hosted an international scientific forum titled ‘Energy Transition in the Western Balkans’. The event brought together representatives of energy companies, research institutes, and government agencies from the Western Balkan countries.
Pál Kovács, Chief of Staff at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary, spoke at the forum, emphasizing nuclear energy’s role in ensuring energy stability in the country. “We need to communicate openly with the public so people understand the benefits of nuclear energy and accept its use. Only then can we talk about specific details and technical matters,” Kovács said.
Rosatom showcased advanced nuclear technologies at the forum. Maria Deurić, Head of Rosatom’s office in Serbia, said that Rosatom welcomed Serbia’s efforts to strengthen its energy mix by introducing nuclear as a reliable, efficient, and carbon-free source of energy. “We are confident that building a nuclear power plant will create conditions for long-term social and economic prosperity in the country,” she stressed, adding that Rosatom is ready to offer a full range of solutions already proven reliable and effective both within Russia and internationally.
Slavko Dimović, Director of Serbia’s Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, expressed interest in partnering with Rosatom on a potential nuclear power plant project. “I would like the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, with its 400,000 employees, to be involved. And I’m not afraid to say that Russian nuclear technologies are the most advanced. Only Russia has the full capability and knowledge to mine uranium ore, produce and enrich fuel, build nuclear reactors, and provide financing solutions,” Dimović pointed out.
Serbia’s State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Marija Gnjatović, called the energy transition in the region a priority and a matter of strategic security and stability.
Photo by: University of Debrecen, ASE JSC, Energija Balkana
