Not a pioneer, but a humble, sensible woman - portrait of the first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer

The first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer graduated ninety-five years ago at the BME Faculty (or as it was called that time: Department) of Mechanical Engineering. She was the third woman, who graduated from BME (the first one was a civil engineer, while the second one was an architect). Some newspapers interviewed her, but this humble, young woman did not seek the spotlights. Even the archives tell a very little.

The time, when the contemporary newspaper-reading public got to know her, was when the daily newspaper Az Ujság interviewed with her in the apartment of her parents, one day after her graduation.

Why did you decide to be an engineer? – asked the Az Ujság. Her childhood friends were ambitious girls, ’all of them planned to be a professional’, Mahrer replied, ’to study to be a teacher, a doctor, an industrial artist, or a painter.’ Although her parents would have liked her rather stay at home, Vilma had a passionate interest in science, technology and engineering, and she did not imagine herself as a girl ’waiting for the fianceé at home.’ The fact that she would be the first female mechanical engineer inspired her even more. More

'Studying at BME was one of the best decisions ever made in my life'

Viktor Zichó, energy engineer, alumni of our faculty, rode a recumbent (a bicycle, which places the rider in a laid-back reclining position) to the tomb in Darjeeling of Sándor Csoma de Kőrös, early-19th century Hungarian orientalist. Viktor Zichó rode his bike following the path of Csoma.

'Attending BME was one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I made good friends in the dorm, I could live a vibrant social life, and I could study, which attracted me the most: energetics. The university taught me autonomy and opened my eyes. I realised my attitude towards work and career. On a ’Building services systems’ lesson, the lecturer advertised a project: the measurement of the heating system of the Széchenyi Spa in Budapest. That was the first time when I had the opportunity to work independently, without external pressure. Afterwards, I participated in several measurement projects brought by the industrial relations of the university. There I could implement the knowledge gained at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. I was outstandingly well-paid, with a part-time commitment. Primarily, I could finance my bike tours and equipment.' More

Advanced tools and software serving research and education at the Department of Applied Mechanics

Advanced software and tools serve research on human balancing and on machine tool vibrations at the BME Department of Applied Mechanics.

The Department of Applied Mechanics purchased such a high-performance high-speed camera, which can record even 750 000 frames per second. The camera has been being used for machine tool vibrations at cutting processes, but several theses and publications were written thanks to the camera’s recordings. More

'A prestigious university with talented lecturers in a fascinating destination'

Alper Uzun, who studied at the Trakya University in Turkey, chose BME as a location of his master studies. In Budapest, he loves not only the historical background, but also the view from the Gellert hill.  But you have to perform, no easy grades, he adds. Interview. 

'I have heard a lot about Budapest from my friends came here for their Erasmus semesters. I knew that it is a fascinating city with lots of possibilities for culture and fun.  However, it is really different to experience something from first hand and I was also afraid of what was waiting for me since I was in a different country with its different language. I was so lucky, due to my Hungarian mentor Balazs Bokor was there to pick me up from the airport, and he showed me around the city. When I was on top of the Gellert hill for the first time, I was truly impressed! I felt suddenly so excited to spend two full years in this city.' More

'I enjoyed every single moment of FameLab' – interview with Lilla Asztalos, domestic winner of the 2019 contest

Lilla Asztalos, Ph.D. student of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Material Science and Technology, won the Hungarian final of FameLab, science communication contest, having an opportunity to appear on the Cheltenham world final.

'On FameLab, you need to perform with two different speeches in the final and the semi-final. The international final is held in a British town, Cheltenham, at the Science Festival, where you also have two speeches. The audience is usually local, including many school classes – this event aims, that young people should meet science and researchers. The reason, why a finalist should prepare with two speeches because the as many faces of science should be shown as we can – repeating is disliked just as on tv. A lot of attitudes on science can be found at the event, which is another virtue. Visionary innovators, and researchers peeling off clickbait, are also included.' More

'When I'll return to my country, I would like to implement the research tradition, scientific knowledge, and skills I gained at BME'

 After his bachelors made in Turkey, Yahya Kara graduated on BME as an MSc mechanical engineer.  He pursued his studies on PhD level, at the Department of Polymer Technology. Interview about education quality, Budapest life, and his experiences as an international student.

'Both in MSc and PhD studies, I was able to enhance my skills with engineering courses taught by distinguished professors in the field. Balancing practical implementation and theory-based education is the key to improve the skills of engineering candidates. BME professors provide valuable learning tools that meet the highest standards in teaching a blend of laboratory, workshop, and lecture. Besides, students can take active participation in the research projects no matter the level of study. Up to now, I had the chance to participate actively in various domestic and international research projects with a multidisciplinary working group. As an MSc alumnus and current PhD fellow, I can say the candidate can either contribute high quality and internationally recognizable science work by using research infrastructures in BME.' More