Florida Poly, Fulbright Hungary partner for international STEM impact
Dr. Devin Stephenson (left), president of Florida Polytechnic University, and Dr. Károly Jókay, executive director of the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission, shake hands after signing an agreement to advance mutual academic opportunities at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on July 9.
Florida Polytechnic University is deepening its global reach through a new partnership with the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission, paving the way for dynamic student exchanges focused on advanced research and STEM education.
The agreement means Florida Poly will welcome top Hungarian talent to pursue advanced studies at the state’s only university dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering, and math.
“This collaboration reflects Florida Poly’s commitment to building global alliances that enrich the academic experience and accelerate discovery,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly. “We’re excited to see the pathways this partnership unlocks for our students and faculty, and the impact it will have on innovation across borders.”
Stephenson and Dr. Károly Jókay, executive director of the Hungarian commission, signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the pact during a ceremony at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 9.
“Fulbright Hungary is proud to continue its tradition of fostering academic excellence and collaboration between U.S. and Hungarian institutions. We are thrilled to partner with Florida Polytechnic University, a leader in innovative STEM education,” Jókay said. “This partnership will provide Hungarian and U.S. talent with unparalleled opportunities to engage in advanced research and gain cutting-edge insights, enriching their academic and professional growth through the prestigious Fulbright fellowship program,”
The new alliance supports Florida Poly’s strategic vision to broaden its worldwide engagement while providing opportunities for students and faculty to contribute to international advancements in STEM. As the partnership grows, strides are anticipated in areas such as intelligent mobility, and meaningful developments will stem from disciplines that include data science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
“This partnership will support the development of many young professionals in the field of engineering and technology in both of our countries,” said, H.E. Szabolcs Takács, the Hungarian Ambassador to the United States. “I wish for a successful collaboration, with many American scholarship recipients coming to Hungary and many Hungarian scholars going to the Florida Polytechnic University.”
Florida Poly recently was recognized by the State Department as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright STEM scholars.
The international Fulbright Program, led by the U.S. Department of State, works with more than 160 countries to increase educational and cultural exchanges to study, learn, and pursue academic and professional projects. Since its inception in 1946, the program has created learning pathways for more than 400,000 scholars.