The forum brought together distinguished foreign professors, including Dr Erdő, who delivered both a scientific lecture and a popular-science presentation to a broad audience. The opening ceremony featured high-level government representatives and leading figures of the scientific community; the large modern Expo venue housed advanced features such as a humanoid robot music ensemble. Reportage of the event was included in Chinese national television’s evening news.
In addition to formal sessions, the visit provided valuable networking opportunities: participants exchanged insights on research and educational collaborations with Chinese counterparts, and explored emerging links with partners from Australia, Spain, Germany and Poland. The core research themes at the forum included energy science, materials science, artificial intelligence and computer science, biomedical research and intelligent health applications.
Following the main event, participating professors had the opportunity to visit a highly ranked Chinese high-school (ages 13–18). Dr Erdő gave a popular-science talk on pharmaceutical research and development in the high-school. The presentation addressed Hungary’s research environment, key fields of study, as well as our faculty’s international programmes. The high-school teachers and students showed lively interest.
On the hospitality side, the visit was very well supported: first-class accommodation, meals, transport and guided excursions (including a visit to the famous Yellow Crane Tower) were made available, with the assistance of local university students in tourism. The city of Wuhan (population approx. 14 million) is highly technologically advanced: autonomous taxis in the streets, and hotel services delivered by robots.
All in all, the experience reinforced the sense that a Chinese-Hungarian friendship in science is alive and growing. There is clear willingness on both sides to collaborate, youth show interest in Hungary, and our Hungarian guests have been welcomed with genuine attention and hospitality.
