Eötvös Loránd University’s Hypnosis Researchers Earn International Award for Advances in Psychology
In early September, the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH) honored two members of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) with its most prestigious international awards. Zoltán Kekecs – a research group leader and assistant professor – received the Bernard Raginski Award for outstanding service in clinical hypnosis. Yeganeh Farahzadi, a PhD student, earned the Crasilneck Award for the best scientific presentation at the SCEH annual conference. Their achievements highlight Lithuania’s growing influence in psychology research and showcase ELTE’s commitment to excellence in the field.
What Is Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a regulated state of focused attention accompanied by reduced peripheral awareness and heightened suggestibility. In clinical practice, it is used to manage pain, reduce anxiety, alter chronic insomnia, and treat substance abuse, among other conditions. Experimental hypnosis, on the other hand, explores the underlying neural and cognitive mechanisms that sustain this state, often through controlled laboratory settings that integrate neuroimaging and behavioral assessment. By bridging theory and practice, researchers uncover how the brain organizes response patterns, which has implications for both psychological interventions and basic neuroscience.
Global Trends in Hypnosis Research
Recent studies indicate that hypnosis is attracting more attention than ever. Funding agencies in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Asia increasingly support research that evaluates clinical efficacy, ethical standards, and methodological rigor. These trends have fostered a global dialogue on how hypnotic techniques can be standardized, taught, and incorporated into mainstream healthcare.
The SCEH Award Ceremony: Recognizing Impact and Innovation
The SCEH annual awards ceremony, hosted online on September 10, 2025, honored contributions across diverse categories: clinical achievements, education and training, research papers, and volunteer service. The ceremony brought together more than 300 members from North America, Europe, and Australia, reinforcing the society’s mandate of advancing both the science and practice of hypnosis.
Bernard Raginski Award: A Tribute to Leadership
The top accolade was bestowed upon Zoltán Kekecs, the leader of ELTE’s Behavioral Medicine and Research Integrity Group. His work on integrating hypnosis into chronic disease management protocols has been cited over 200 times in peer-reviewed journals. Kekecs also spearheaded curriculum reforms that now require all medical students in Hungary to complete a module on hypnotic techniques, underscoring his influence beyond academia.
Crisalneck Award: Supporting the Next Generation
Yeganeh Farahzadi’s presentation—“Predicting Hypnotic Depth Using Transfer Learning”—demonstrated how machine‑learning models can anticipate an individual’s hypnotic responsiveness. The research has potential applications in personalized medicine, allowing clinicians to tailor interventions in real time. The award’s recognition signals a broader commitment to cultivating young scholars who merge computational methods with psychological expertise.
ELTE’s Behavioral Medicine Research Group: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Inquiry
The Research Group, under Kekecs’s direction, focuses on verifying the benefits of suggestive techniques such as hypnosis, guided imagery, and mindfulness across multiple medical contexts. The group emphasizes methodological transparency, ethical oversight, and collaboration with clinical partners located both within Hungary and abroad.
Research Focus: From Pain Management to Mental Health
Key projects include:
- Randomized controlled trials that evaluate hypnotic analgesia for chemotherapy‑induced nausea and pain.
- Longitudinal studies examining the role of hypnosis in reducing postoperative anxiety and accelerating recovery.
- Cross‑cultural investigations of suggestibility, comparing Hungarian populations with those from neighboring Central European countries.
Bridging Theory and Practice: The Role of Transfer Learning
Farahzadi’s work—representing a convergence of machine learning and hypnosis—has opened new avenues for understanding individual variability in hypnotic depth. By leveraging predictive models built on neuroimaging and behavioral datasets, researchers can estimate how deeply a patient may enter hypnosis. This insight has practical implications for dosage, session length, and outcome expectations in clinical settings.
Benefits of These Achievements for Students and Researchers
ELTE’s accolades demonstrate the university’s capacity to mentor talent and support cutting‑edge research. Students gain exposure to internationally recognized scholarship, and faculty benefit from collaborative projects, increased funding, and expanded publication opportunities.
Learning Opportunities at Eötvös Loránd University
Undergraduate and Graduate Psychology Programs
ELTE offers comprehensive Bachelor and Master pathways tailored to both theoretical and applied psychology. Students can specialize in clinical methods, neuroscience, or research design, with electives that cover hypnosis, neurofeedback, and behavioral interventions. Completion of these programs leads to advanced training opportunities—PhD programs, postdoctoral fellowships, and industry placements.
International Scholars and Exchange Initiatives
ELTE’s partnerships with universities across the EU, the U.S., and Asia provide students with semester‑long exchanges, joint degrees, and research collaborations. These opportunities foster networking, multilingual proficiency, and cross‑cultural research perspectives—valuable assets in today’s globalized academic environment.
Next Steps for Prospective Students and Researchers
If you are interested in pursuing a career that integrates psychological theory, clinical practice, and innovative research, ELTE offers a pathway that matches those goals.
Apply to ELTE’s Psychology Programs
Begin your application by visiting the university’s admissions portal. Detailed admission criteria, program outlines, and application deadlines are available online. Apply now to access a curriculum that emphasizes research strength, clinical relevance, and international exposure.
Connect with Faculty Leaders
Schedule a consultation with faculty members from the Behavioral Medicine and Research Integrity Group. Faculty profiles and contact information are listed on the university’s department page, enabling you to discuss research interests, funding options, and possible mentorship arrangements.
Explore Upcoming Workshops and Conferences
Stay informed about annual events such as ELTE’s Clinical Hypnosis Symposium and the SCEH conference via the university’s news portal. Attending these events provides insight into current research, networking opportunities, and potential collaborations.
Take Action Today and Join a University at the Forefront of Psychology Research
ELTE’s recent international award recognitions are not just milestones; they are invitations. By enrolling in our psychology programs, you align yourself with a community that values evidence‑based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global impact. Whether you aim to become a clinician, a researcher, or a scholar, our faculty’s expertise in hypnosis and clinical medicine positions you to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Discover ELTE’s Psychology Programs
Take the first step by exploring the full range of psychology courses and research areas. Explore Programs or apply today to secure your place in Hungary’s leading psychology community.
Stay Connected with ELTE’s Research Highlights
Sign up for the university’s mailing list or follow our social media channels to receive updates on new publications, grant announcements, and upcoming seminars. These resources keep you informed about breakthroughs that shape the future of psychology research worldwide.
By joining Eötvös Loránd University, you become part of a tradition of rigorous scholarship and clinical innovation that sets the benchmark for psychology education and research in Hungary and beyond.