Talent management

Greetings

“Diligence and talent. There is no excellence without these two, and true distinction exists only where they meet.”

I believe that this thought, expressed by the 17th-century Spanish Jesuit Baltasar Gracián y Morales in The Art of Worldly Wisdom, remains just as relevant today when defining the concept of talent. At the University of Pécs, students with outstanding abilities who pursue in-depth research in their chosen disciplines must possess not only exceptional innate abilities but also intellectual curiosity, creativity, diligence, perseverance, commitment, and, above all, humility. Unlocking their full potential requires a balanced combination of all these qualities.

The development of these attributes depends on the dedicated support of well-prepared and highly motivated supervisors, academic staff, and doctoral students, as well as on providing and continuously strengthening the institutional environment that enables students to engage in research beyond their regular academic studies. Talent Management has long been a strategic priority at our University, and its further development will remain one of our key objectives. Supporting and encouraging talented students is important not only for the University of Pécs but also for the city, the region, and the country, as our graduates contribute competitive expertise, innovative thinking, and up-to-date knowledge to society.

Within Hungarian higher education, and naturally at the University of Pécs, one of the most significant forms of Talent Management is participation in the Scientific Students’ Associations (TDK), a uniquely Hungarian tradition with a history spanning more than seven decades. TDK provides an environment for self-development, academic excellence, and the training of future researchers, where talented students begin their independent scientific careers under the guidance of distinguished scholars and mentors. The success of TDK is founded on the close collaboration between students and their supervisors, combining professional excellence with personal mentorship to establish a strong foundation for high-quality research. The advanced colleges (szakkollégiumok) operating at our University also play a vital role in supporting talented students while fostering a strong sense of community and reinforcing the University of Pécs identity.

We also regard the support of talented secondary school students as an important part of our mission. For this reason, the University actively participates in organising and hosting a wide range of academic competitions for prospective students.

“Recognition is to talent what the breeze is to a flower: the life-giving breath.” As Baltasar Gracián once wrote, we too are committed to recognising and supporting both our talented students and the colleagues who mentor them, enabling them to fulfil their potential while further enhancing the reputation of their Alma Mater, the University of Pécs.

Prof. Dr. Tamás Fedeles
Vice-Rector for Education