St Mary’s University College, Belfast recently welcomed a visiting delegation from Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest as part of the growing international partnership between the two institutions.

During their visit to Belfast, member of the delegation met with the College Principal, Professor Finn to discuss shared priorities and potential areas of cooperation. In particular, discussions focused on the role of Catholic higher education in society and on developments in Initial Teacher Education, with perspectives and practice across European institutions.

The delegation from Pázmány Péter Catholic University included:

· Dr Bence Tamássy, Head of the Central Office for Foreign Affairs

· Mr Tamás Hógenburg, Head of the International Office at the Faculty

· Dr habil. Michael McAteer, Associate Professor in the Institute of English and American Studies

Across the three-day programme, the visitors engaged with colleagues to explore opportunities for future collaboration in international education, research exchange and Erasmus+ mobility. These discussions were coordinated by Professor Gerard McCann, St Mary’s International Coordinator.

As part of the visit, Associate Professor Michael McAteer delivered a special session within the St Mary’s “Inspiring Insights” lecture series — an initiative designed to connect Liberal Arts students with visiting academics, professionals and business leaders.

Dr McAteer’s session offered students a personal and scholarly insight into his academic career, beginning with a reflection on his own educational pathway and research interests before turning to the themes explored in his forthcoming book on the political and literary connections between Ireland and Hungary in the nineteenth century. His presentation explored the transnational intellectual exchanges between the two countries and the ways in which Irish and Hungarian political and cultural movements influenced one another during a formative period in European history. The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer discussion with students.

The delegation’s programme also included a tour of the St Mary’s campus and an opportunity to meet with staff and students. The visit offered the delegation an opportunity to see first-hand the College’s continuing campus transformation and to learn more about St Mary’s distinctive mission in Catholic education, teacher education and community engagement.

Speaking following the visit, Professor Finn said:

“We were delighted to welcome colleagues from Pázmány Péter Catholic University to St Mary’s. As Catholic teacher education institutions with a shared commitment to education, research and international cooperation within that ethos, there are many areas where we can

learn from one another and develop meaningful partnerships that benefit our students and wider communities.”

The visit marks another step in the development of the international partnership between the two universities and reflects St Mary’s continued commitment to international engagement, academic collaboration and global dialogue in higher education.