Excellence and Inspiration in Science – The 2025 Women in Science Excellence Awards

On April 14, 2025, the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE) presented the Women in Science Excellence Awards for the thirteenth time. The award recognises not only outstanding scientific achievements but also individuals who inspire others through their presence, openness, and ability to communicate science in an accessible way.

This year’s awardees represent a broad spectrum of scientific roles:

• In the Mathematics and Computer Science category, Dr. Anna Gelencsér-Horváth, Assistant Professor at Pázmány Péter Catholic University’s Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, was honoured for her work in artificial intelligence and computer vision. Her research focuses on developing algorithms that support everyday technologies for the blind and visually impaired. 
• The Support for Research Activities award went to Larisza Szeidl Antalné, institutional engineer at the HUN-REN Agricultural Research Centre. For over three decades, she has worked in the Cereal Breeding Department, analysing the technological quality of cereals and coordinating field experiments—highlighting the essential contribution of technicians, lab staff, and research assistants to scientific success. 
• For the first time, a Girls’ Day Teacher Award was introduced to acknowledge teachers who actively promote participation in the Girls’ Day programme, encouraging young girls to explore STEM careers. Five educators from across Hungary were recognised for their dedicated efforts in guiding girls toward informed and confident career choices in science and technology. 

As a consortium partner in both the AGRIGEP and STREAM IT projects, NaTE remains committed to making scientific career paths more accessible to girls and women. The Excellence Awards serve not only as recognition but also as a powerful tool to raise the visibility of female role models and to promote diversity in the scientific community.

The award is held under the patronage of the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO.