Student’s Science Club opens its third academic year at the Faculty of Water Sciences

 

 

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The Student’s Science Club of the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS) has started its third academic year in 2025/26. Organized by the Department of Water and Environmental Policy, the Club provides a platform for students to engage in open, interactive discussions with national and international experts on key issues related to water, environmental policy, and sustainability. Interest in the events continues to grow each year, with hybrid sessions attracting an increasing number of participants from Hungary and abroad.

The first event of the academic year was held on 7 October, featuring Professor Tom Beer, Honorary Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and one of the world’s leading experts on natural hazards. The session was opened by Dr Tamás Pálvölgyi, Vice-Dean for International and Strategic Affairs and Head of the Department of Water and Environmental Policy, while Professor János Bogárdi introduced the guest. In his lecture, Professor Beer addressed the growing impacts of climate change, including floods, droughts, and wildfires. He emphasized that the number of recorded natural disasters has increased dramatically in recent decades and is likely to rise further. He called for stronger integration between scientific research and policy-making, underlining that prevention and preparedness must be grounded in knowledge and collaboration.

The second session, held on 14 October, welcomed Dr Nargiz Uzeir Hajiyeva, Ludovika Scholar from Azerbaijan, researcher at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics and member of the Women Researchers Council. Her workshop, titled “Blue Gold in Power Politics: How Water Shapes Conflict and Cooperation in the 21st Century”, explored the strategic role of water in shaping global politics. Dr Hajiyeva discussed how water can be both a source of conflict and cooperation, drawing on examples from major transboundary river basins such as the Nile, Tigris–Euphrates, and Mekong. She also examined Azerbaijan’s green transition strategy and the Caucasus region’s water challenges, showing how water governance, energy independence, and diplomacy are closely intertwined. She concluded by encouraging students to adopt an interdisciplinary perspective, linking natural sciences, economics, and policy to build a more sustainable and peaceful future.

The Student’s Science Club has become one of the Faculty’s flagship intellectual forums, fostering open dialogue between students, researchers, and decision-makers. The initiative aims to further strengthen international academic cooperation and inspire the next generation of young water professionals. The next session will take place in November, featuring another distinguished international guest.