Professor Jongmo Seo has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) in Budapest, Hungary.

From October 6 to 17, 2025, Prof. Seo visited Hungary to conduct joint research with the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics (ITK) at PPKE as part of the Korea-Hungary Joint Research Program supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). During his visit, he also delivered special lectures on AR/VR technologies and artificial retinal systems designed to overcome visual impairments. In addition, he finalized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Seoul National University’s College of Engineering and PPKE’s ITK to bolster academic collaboration.

The honorary doctorate was conferred on October 15 during the 390th anniversary ceremony of PPKE, which was founded in 1635. Following the conferment, Prof. Seo delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Unveiling Hidden Realms: The Power of Science and Engineering in Medicine.” During the ceremony, Dean György Cserey of ITK at PPKE remarked that “the conferment recognizes Prof. Seo’s outstanding research achievements in the fields of artificial vision and neural engineering, as well as his significant contributions to human welfare through the integration of medicine and engineering.”

Founded in 1635 by Catholic bishop Péter Pázmány, PPKE is one of Hungary’s leading higher education institutions, offering education and research across a wide range of disciplines including theology, law, information technology and biotechnology. In particular, PPKE’s ITK is recognized as a pioneer in interdisciplinary research that bridges life sciences and engineering. The faculty also shares academic roots with Semmelweis University, Hungary’s top medical university, and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE).

Prof. Seo expressed his hopes that “the collaboration between SNU and PPKE will further expand into international joint research in the fields of medical informatics and bioelectronic engineering,” adding that “this honorary doctorate will serve as an opportunity to foster deeper academic exchange between Korea and Hungary.”

Source: https://ece.snu.ac.kr/ece/news?md=v&bbsidx=56971
Translated by: Changhoon Kang, English Editor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, changhoon27@snu.ac.kr