From January 29-31, 2026, Óbuda University reinforced its position as a hub for cutting-edge research during the IEEE 24th World Symposium on Applied Machine Intelligence and Informatics (SAMI 2026) in Stará Lesná, Slovakia. This prestigious event brought together 154 researchers from 19 countries, with 117 peer-reviewed papers accepted for presentation – demonstrating the conference’s rigorous academic standards and global reach in artificial intelligence and informatics.
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Key Outcomes from the SAMI 2026 Symposium
The conference opened with addresses from prominent academic leaders, including Prof. Dr. Péter Galambos (Vice-Rector for Innovation at Óbuda University) and Prof. Ing. Peter Mészároš (Rector of Technical University of Košice). Their speeches emphasized the critical importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing technological innovation, with Óbuda University playing a central role in facilitating these international connections.
Fostering International Research Partnerships
SAMI 2026 served as a platform for knowledge exchange between institutions across Europe and beyond. The participation of researchers from 19 countries created a dynamic environment for discussing emerging trends in:
- Machine learning applications in healthcare systems
- Advanced robotics and autonomous systemsData analytics for industrial informatics
- Ethical AI development frameworks
This international diversity reflects Hungary’s growing influence in the global AI research community, with Óbuda University at the forefront of these developments.
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Recognizing Excellence in AI and Informatics
A highlight of the conference was the TUKE–OU Young Researchers Grant Award ceremony, a joint initiative between Óbuda University and Technical University of Košice. This program awarded ten promising researchers, including recipients from both institutions:
| Technical University of Košice Researchers | Óbuda University Researchers |
|---|---|
| Lenka Kabošová | Dr. habil. Viktória Sugár |
| Peter Ján Sinčák | Bálint Károly Farkas |
| Ivanna Betušová | Dániel Tokody |
The Grand Awards honored Professors Liberios Vokorokos and Imre Rudas (Founding Rector of Óbuda University) for their lifetime contributions to the field, particularly their roles in establishing the conference’s reputation for excellence.
The Impact of Strategic University Collaborations
The partnership between Óbuda University and Technical University of Košice exemplifies how institutional collaborations drive innovation. Through programs like the joint research grants and shared conference hosting, these universities have:
- Accelerated knowledge transfer between Hungary and Slovakia
- Created pathways for early-career researchers to access international networks
- Developed standardized frameworks for AI ethics across borders
Plenary sessions from world-renowned experts like Prof. Dr. Alexandru Kristály and Prof. Dr. Amir H. Gandomi further elevated the conference’s academic impact, providing attendees with insights into cutting-edge developments like semantic communication systems and evolved machine intelligence applications.
Future Directions for Applied Machine Intelligence
As SAMI 2026 concluded, several emerging research priorities became clear:
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Increasing integration of AI with healthcare, environmental science, and social systems
- Ethical Governance: Developing international standards for responsible AI deployment
- Industry-Academia Partnerships: Enhancing technology transfer from research labs to commercial applications
Óbuda University’s research centers – including their Cyber Medicine Competence Centre and Innovation Parks – are positioned to lead in these developing areas through their existing infrastructure and international networks.
Strengthening Hungary’s Research Ecosystem
The success of SAMI 2026 underscores Hungary’s growing prominence in European AI research. For professionals and students considering engagement with Central Europe’s tech landscape, Óbuda University offers:
- State-funded research positions through programs like Stipendium Hungaricum
- Collaboration opportunities with industry partners in Budapest’s innovation district
- Cross-border research initiatives with EU Horizon funding
With its consistent presence in global rankings and strategic partnerships with institutions worldwide, Óbuda University continues to elevate Hungary’s position in international research communities.
Conclusion: Building on SAMI 2026’s Success
The SAMI 2026 conference demonstrated Óbuda University’s capacity to host world-class academic gatherings while fostering meaningful international collaborations. As AI and informatics continue to transform global industries, institutions that prioritize cross-border research partnerships – like those showcased at SAMI 2026 – will drive the next wave of technological innovation.
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