The International Conference on Science, Technology, Engineering and Economy, widely known as the ICOSTEE Conference, continues to serve as a critical platform for researchers and engineers. Hosted biennially by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Szeged in Hungary, the event brings together diverse scientific minds to present findings, discuss global challenges, and build lasting professional networks. For academics and industry professionals looking to monitor emerging trends in multidisciplinary research, ICOSTEE represents a vital forum for scientific exchange.
The 2026 iteration of the conference, held at the Szent-Györgyi Albert Agóra event center, successfully gathered 135 lecturers, researchers, and PhD students. This impressive turnout underscores the growing need for collaborative environments where technical and economic disciplines intersect. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about studying at the University of Szeged.
Exploring the Impact of Biennial Scientific Exchange
Since its establishment in 1990, the ICOSTEE Conference has evolved into one of the flagship international events for the Faculty of Engineering. Organizing the event on a biennial schedule provides researchers with the necessary time to conduct rigorous studies, analyze data, and prepare high-quality presentations. Rather than rushing to produce annual results, academics can monitor long-term project developments and present mature findings to their peers.
This structured pacing benefits the broader scientific community. It allows for deeper discussions during the sessions and ensures that the collaborative projects born during the networking phases have a realistic timeline to show preliminary results before the next gathering. The University of Szeged has strategically maintained this cadence to prioritize quality over quantity in scientific discourse.
Key Themes and Disciplines at the ICOSTEE Conference
The strength of the ICOSTEE Conference lies in its multidisciplinary approach. By bridging the gap between hard engineering and economic management, the event mirrors the complex nature of modern industrial problems. Participants actively monitor presentations across several distinct but interconnected tracks.
Engineering and Technological Innovations
A core component of the conference focuses on mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and intelligent systems. Presentations in this track explored advancements in materials science and energy systems. As industries move toward automation and smart manufacturing, the research shared here provides actionable insights into how mechanical systems can be optimized for efficiency and sustainability.
Food Science and Bio-Environmental Engineering
Given the global challenges surrounding food security and environmental degradation, the bio-environmental and food science tracks received significant attention. Researchers discussed new methodologies in food safety and food processing technologies. These sessions highlighted how engineering principles can be applied to biological systems to create safer, more sustainable agricultural and food production practices.
Economic Management and Logistics
Technical innovations must be economically viable to be implemented at scale. The economics and logistics sessions provided a grounding framework for the engineering discussions. Researchers analyzed agricultural economics, supply chain optimizations, and economic management strategies that support the integration of new technologies into existing markets. Submit your application today to join the Faculty of Engineering and contribute to these vital fields.
Highlighting Plenary Sessions and Distinguished Speakers
The academic rigor of the ICOSTEE Conference is elevated by its plenary sessions, which feature leading experts who provide macro-level perspectives on specific industries. Prof. Dr. József Sárosi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Szeged, opened the event by emphasizing the critical role that engineering innovation plays in solving contemporary global challenges.
One of the standout presentations was delivered by Prof. Dr. Barbaros Özer of Ankara University. He provided a comprehensive look at the ethical dimensions of researching innovative food processing technologies. As food engineering becomes more reliant on advanced chemical and mechanical processes, Prof. Özer’s insights reminded attendees that technological advancement must be paired with rigorous ethical considerations to protect public health.
Another highly anticipated lecture was given by Dr. Orsolya Ferencz, a prominent space researcher. She outlined the key milestones and future objectives of the Hungarian space program. Attendees gained firsthand insight into the historic Axiom mission, illustrating how highly specialized engineering and scientific research translate into national achievements in space exploration. Her presentation effectively demonstrated the ceiling of what multidisciplinary engineering teams can accomplish.
Building Networks Through International Collaboration
The true value of an international conference often lies in the corridors and coffee breaks rather than just the lecture halls. The ICOSTEE Conference prides itself on facilitating robust international collaboration. In 2026, the event welcomed speakers and participants from Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, and Hungary.
This geographical diversity is particularly important for a region like Central and Eastern Europe, where cross-border research initiatives can leverage shared historical contexts and complementary academic strengths. By fostering connections between these nations, the University of Szeged acts as a regional hub for scientific diplomacy. Researchers use these connections to establish joint grant applications, cross-institutional research projects, and student exchange agreements that extend well beyond the duration of the conference.
The Role of Poster Sessions in Academic Discourse
Alongside the formal presentations, the ICOSTEE Conference featured nearly 60 posters during its dedicated poster session. For PhD students and early-career researchers, poster sessions offer a distinctly different and highly valuable form of communication. Unlike a stage presentation, a poster session allows for one-on-one, informal professional discussions.
Attendees can stop, ask specific questions, and engage in deep technical conversations directly with the researchers. This format is instrumental for identifying potential flaws, suggesting new methodologies, and brainstorming future research directions. It is often during these interactive sessions that initial ideas for international collaborative papers are born. Share your experiences in the comments below if you have attended academic poster sessions.
Publishing Opportunities and Lasting Academic Value
The scientific findings shared at the ICOSTEE Conference are designed to have a lifespan that extends far beyond the event itself. To ensure this, the organizers have established a clear pathway to publication. Abstracts of all presentations are published in the official electronic abstract volume, providing an accessible record of the event’s proceedings for those who could not attend.
More importantly, selected high-quality papers are chosen for full-length publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals. These include Analecta Technica Szegediensia, Jelenkori társadalmi és gazdasági folyomatok (Current Social and Economic Processes), and Élelmiszervizsgálati közlemények (Journal of Food Investigation). Navigating the peer-review process and publishing in these journals is a significant milestone for researchers, adding highly regarded credentials to their academic portfolios. Explore our related articles for further reading on academic publishing and conferences in Hungary.
The University of Szeged’s Commitment to Green Engineering
The 2026 conference also served as a reflection of the University of Szeged’s broader institutional priorities. The Faculty of Engineering has increasingly integrated green initiatives into its curriculum and research output. The multidisciplinary approach championed at ICOSTEE directly supports these green initiatives by ensuring that environmental considerations are woven into mechanical engineering, logistics, and food science alike.
By training students and hosting events that prioritize sustainable solutions, the University of Szeged is helping lay a strong foundation for the next generation of engineers. Graduates and researchers from this institution consistently go on to build outstanding careers, applying the principles discussed at events like ICOSTEE to real-world industry challenges across the globe.
Conclusion
The ICOSTEE Conference remains a cornerstone of academic and professional development for engineers and economists in Hungary and beyond. By successfully combining high-level plenary lectures, rigorous peer-reviewed presentations, and interactive poster sessions, the event facilitates meaningful international collaboration. For researchers looking to stay at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and economy, the University of Szeged provides an indispensable platform to share knowledge and forge the partnerships necessary to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Have questions? Write to us!
