It is an uplifting moment in the life of an innovation community when the spirit of a defining figure in the history of technology becomes tangible at the crossroads of education and industry. On the occasion of the 145th anniversary of his birth, the SZTE Faculty of Engineering honored the memory of József Galamb with the inauguration of a lecture hall and a permanent exhibition. This event holds special significance for the Archenerg-Metal Cluster, as the world-renowned engineer’s work represents the very essence of the metal industry, mechanical engineering, and systems-oriented innovation.
Few realize that the legendary chief designer of the Ford Model T once walked the halls at Szeged's Mars Square. It was at the then-State Vocational School for Wood and Metal Industry that József Galamb acquired the solid technical foundation with which he would later revolutionize automotive manufacturing in Detroit.
"Starting from engineering education in Szeged, no distance is unreachable. Today, as giants like BYD arrive in our cluster’s environment, Galamb’s precision and innovative mindset serve as the compass that makes domestic professionals competitive," highlighted Prof. Dr. József Sárosi, Dean of the Faculty, during the ceremony.
The shared goal of the Archenerg-Metal Cluster and the SZTE Faculty of Engineering is to harmonize practice-oriented knowledge with industrial demands. The 26-piece exhibition opened in the Faculty’s building on Mars Square does more than just evoke the past; it serves as inspiration for future engineers who, tomorrow, may be developing the technologies of the future at the cluster’s member companies.
In the spirit of talent management, the József Galamb Prize, established in 2021, continues to recognize the innovative solutions of the most outstanding engineering candidates. This initiative—conducted in cooperation with the Csongrád-Csanád County Chamber of Engineers—is a guarantee that through the collaboration of the Szeged engineering community, Hungarian industry will continue to produce world-class professionals.
Why is this important for the Cluster?
- Tradition and Modernity: József Galamb is proof that Szeged’s metalworking roots are capable of generating world-class innovation.
- Networking: The cooperation between the university and the professional organizations participating in the ceremony strengthens the knowledge base upon which cluster member companies can build.
- Vision for the Future: In light of BYD and other major technological investments, the spirit of József Galamb guarantees that the region's engineers will not merely be providers for, but shapers of, global industry.
The commemorative wreaths placed at the conclusion of the ceremony represented more than just respect for the past; they spoke of the unity of the Szeged engineering community and its faith in the future.