In 2026, the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Pécs celebrates the 10th anniversary of its establishment as an independent faculty, which officially took place on January 1, 2016. However, its history dates back much earlier, to the launch of the pharmacy program in Pécs in 2000, when the training operated within the Faculty of Medicine.
Over the past decade, the Faculty has undergone significant development not only in education and research, but also in student life and community-building activities.
Early Years: Memories and Challenges
The establishment of the Faculty was largely driven by program leaders, including the first Dean, Professor Pál Perjési, who brought decades of experience in teaching and research to the University of Pécs.
“Before the Faculty of Pharmacy was established, I had served as the head of the pharmacy program for more than ten years. I inherited this role from Academician János Szolcsányi, the founder of the program, from whom I learned a great deal both professionally and personally,” the professor recalled.
According to him, one of the biggest challenges at the beginning was developing the credit-based education system and preparing the extensive documentation required to establish the Faculty.
“Compiling the proposal and drafting the documents that defined the future structure and operation of the Faculty was perhaps the most memorable part of my work as program director prior to the Faculty’s establishment,” he added.
As he noted, “every beginning is difficult,” and this was certainly true in this case. In the early years, organizing daily administration, assessing financial conditions, and developing infrastructure were among the most demanding tasks.
A major milestone during his term as Dean was the development of the Rókus Street campus buildings (No. 2 and No. 4) within the framework of the Modern Cities Program. These developments included the renovation and creation of new laboratories, practical training rooms, lecture halls, and seminar rooms.
This not only allowed all departments and institutes to move into a single campus area, but also marked the beginning of a true faculty community. The buildings have continued to improve over the years thanks to the work of subsequent leadership.
Professional Goals and Student Life
The creation of the Faculty was guided by several key professional objectives:
- introducing new pharmaceutical disciplines at the University of Pécs
- supporting the economic development of the Southern Transdanubian region
- promoting the professional advancement of academic staff
- increasing national and international recognition of pharmacy education in Pécs
- strengthening the region’s attractiveness for industry and supporting student community life
Student life has been enriched through events such as the annual Faculty Ball and alumni meetings, which continue to strengthen the sense of community.
“In my view, tangible progress has been achieved in most of these areas over the past ten years,” the professor noted.
Scientific and Academic Achievements
Following the launch of the pharmacy program in 2000, three new institutes were established in 2002:
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry
In addition, three departments were founded:
- Department of Pharmacognosy
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Toxicology
Later developments included:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology (2012)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (2013)
These developments enabled the program to reach the level of organizational complexity required to become an independent faculty. Notably, the latter two units appeared for the first time in this structure at Pécs.
A major step forward was the launch of the English-language pharmacy program in 2009, along with the preparation of a German-language program.
During Professor Perjési’s tenure, preparations also began for the accreditation of the Biotechnology BSc program, which was eventually launched in September 2022. Professor Judit Pongrácz played a key role in initiating and leading this program until 2025, and the number of applicants has been increasing steadily since its launch.
A significant professional achievement for the field was that, from 2009 onwards, pharmacy graduates in Hungary became entitled to use the doctoral title dr. Pharm. This was made possible through the joint initiative of pharmacy education leaders and with the support of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Hungarian Pharmaceutical Society, and the Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacists. The first doctoral titles were awarded in a ceremonial session held in the Hungarian Parliament.
Looking to the Future
“I believe that the generation involved in launching the program and establishing the Faculty has successfully trained a new generation capable of adapting the Faculty’s structure and education to the ever-changing challenges of the discipline,” the professor said.
The future of the Faculty is shaped by technological advancement and continuous innovation in education. Increasing emphasis is placed on areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health, modern analytical methods, and regulatory knowledge related to the authorization of medicines.
The goal is to ensure that students acquire up-to-date, practical knowledge that enables them to succeed in all areas of pharmacy. In this way, the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Pécs not only adapts to change but continues to play a leading role in pharmacy education both nationally and internationally.
“As long as I am able and there is a need, I will continue to support the development of pharmacy education as Professor Emeritus,” the former Dean added.
The 10th anniversary was celebrated on January 27 at the Rókus Street campus in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Beanbags and a welcoming environment created a relaxed setting, reinforcing the sense of community.
As reported by the University’s News Centre, participants gathered as members of a large “family.” The event featured ceremonial speeches, informal discussions, a pleasant atmosphere, and a selection of delicious homemade cakes.
