Pro Szeged Foundation

The Pro Szeged Foundation (Hungarian: Szegedért Alapítvány) is one of Szeged's most significant patron foundations, dedicated to rewarding excellence in science, arts and public life year after year. It was established on 4 July 1989, when the founding charter was signed by major local companies and institutions. The idea originated with Debreczeni Pál, then director of the DOMET brush factory, who envisioned a non-profit organisation through which Szeged's business entities could express their responsibility for the city's intellectual life. The founding members included DOMET Ecsetgyár, Gabonaforgalmi és Malomipari Vállalat, Szegedi Szalámigyár és Húskombinát, Finn–Magyar Barátság MgTsz., Magyar Kábelművek Szegedi Kábelgyára, Szegedi Konzervgyár, VIDIA Kereskedőház Részvénytársaság and Szeged Megyei Városi Tanács. The foundation's purpose, as stated in its founding charter, is to erect an imperishable memorial to the city's great figures and to provide opportunities for talents whose promising future can serve the city. The foundation is governed by a 15-member executive board, which includes four representatives of the founders, the chairs of the three curatorial boards, the foundation secretary (Németh István), and eight committed companies and private individuals. The three curatorial boards—Scientific (chaired by Dr. Vécsei László), Artistic (chaired by Dr. Kerek Ferenc), and Social and Civic (chaired by Dr. Medgyesi Konstantin)—each have seven members. The foundation's awards are presented annually on the Saturday closest to 12 March, the anniversary of the great Szeged flood and the city's rebirth, at the Szeged National Theatre. The main award and curatorial awards recognise outstanding individuals, while grants are available through application for scholarships, sustained financing, targeted support, donations and study trips. Over the decades, the foundation has honoured numerous distinguished figures, including biochemist Katalin Karikó (2022), mathematician Szőkefalvi-Nagy Béla (1990), opera singer Gregor József (1991), and many others. The foundation remains active, continuing its mission to support and celebrate Szeged's intellectual and cultural heritage.

The Pro Szeged Foundation (Szegedért Alapítvány) was established on 4 July 1989, when the founding charter was signed by major local companies and institutions. The idea came from Debreczeni Pál, then director of the DOMET brush factory, who proposed that Szeged's business entities create a non-profit organisation to express their responsibility for the city's intellectual life. The founding members were DOMET Ecsetgyár, Gabonaforgalmi és Malomipari Vállalat, Szegedi Szalámigyár és Húskombinát, Finn–Magyar Barátság MgTsz., Magyar Kábelművek Szegedi Kábelgyára, Szegedi Konzervgyár, VIDIA Kereskedőház Részvénytársaság and Szeged Megyei Városi Tanács. The foundation's charter states its purpose: to erect an imperishable memorial to the city's great figures and to provide opportunities for talents whose promising future can serve the city. The foundation is governed by a 15-member executive board, comprising four representatives of the founders, the chairs of the three curatorial boards, the foundation secretary (Németh István), and eight committed companies and private individuals. The three curatorial boards—Scientific (chaired by Dr. Vécsei László), Artistic (chaired by Dr. Kerek Ferenc), and Social and Civic (chaired by Dr. Medgyesi Konstantin)—each have seven members. The foundation's awards are presented annually on the Saturday closest to 12 March, the anniversary of the great Szeged flood and the city's rebirth, at the Szeged National Theatre. The main award and curatorial awards recognise outstanding individuals, while grants are available through application for scholarships, sustained financing, targeted support, donations and study trips. Over the decades, the foundation has honoured numerous distinguished figures, including biochemist Katalin Karikó (2022), mathematician Szőkefalvi-Nagy Béla (1990), opera singer Gregor József (1991), and many others. The foundation remains active, continuing its mission to support and celebrate Szeged's intellectual and cultural heritage.

• 2022

  Main Award presented to biochemist Katalin Karikó.

• 1991

  Main Award presented to opera singer Gregor József.

• 1990

  First Main Award presented to mathematician Szőkefalvi-Nagy Béla.

• 1989

  Foundation established on 4 July with signing of founding charter.

A non-profit patron foundation supporting and celebrating excellence in Szeged's intellectual and cultural life.

• Main Award

  Annual award for outstanding individuals.

• Szőkefalvi-Nagy Béla Award

  Award by the Scientific Board.

• Gregor József Award

  Award by the Artistic Board.

1. 1Pro Szeged Foundation on Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Szegedért Alapítvány on Hungarian Wikipediahu.wikipedia.org