Within the framework of the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE) program, high school girls on the verge of career decisions visited Obuda University. The professional day aimed to provide participants with a firsthand experience of modern technical careers, demonstrating that the world of engineering spans far beyond programming.

Obuda University places a high priority on the initiatives of the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE). For the institution, it is a strategic objective to ensure that more women find their place in engineering and technology fields, providing them with inspiring role models, supportive communities, and authentic experiences even before they make their career choices. The event was organized on behalf of EKIK by Panna Zsoldos, R&D associate at the Antal Bejczy Center for Intelligent Robotics, Director of the Robotics Special College (ROSZ) at Obuda University, and Secretary of the IEEE Hungary Section Women in Engineering Affinity Group (IEEE WIE Hungary).

One of the most important messages of the visit was that the technology sector is not about a single profession. Today’s technical fields demand creativity, human-centered thinking, and collaboration just as much as a foundation in mathematics or IT. During the program, it was discussed how many diverse career paths open up for young people within the technical sphere, such as cybersecurity, UI/UX design, game development, artificial intelligence, health informatics, educational technology, robotics, data science, digital arts, or even the development of cloud services.

For the 13 high school girls participating in the program who are yet to choose their higher education path, it means a great deal to see not only the technology but also to hear human stories: how someone starts on this journey, what they learn along the way, and how they find their own place in science and the world of engineering.

The role model session was led by Melánia Pamuki-Puskás (Researcher at Obuda University – EKIK, Physiological Controls Research Center; Chair of IEEE WIE Hungary) and Borbála Gergics (Researcher at Obuda University – EKIK, Physiological Controls Research Center and member of IEEE WIE Hungary). During the discussion, participants were introduced not only to career paths but also to the essential skills required for a successful technical career – such as curiosity, perseverance, teamwork, and the courage to ask questions.

At the BARK Research Center, the girls participated in industrial and medical robotics demonstrations. The surgical robot demonstration was presented by Kristóf Takács (Research Assistant), while the humanoid robot demonstration was led by Tamás Piricz (Department Engineer) and András Makány (MSc student). As a result, visitors could experience firsthand—rather than just through theoretical descriptions—how solutions are born in the lab that can be applied in everyday life, from manufacturing to healthcare applications.

The Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE) started in 2008 with just 10 female researchers and has since become one of Hungary’s leading organizations in supporting the scientific and technological careers of girls and women. Their mission is a world where recognition is not gender-dependent, and where young people can make their career choices based on personal experiences, meaningful encounters, and real-life role models.

The current laboratory visit is part of a broader vision. The NaTE Ambassador Network is a 3–4 month program for high school girls who wish to pursue higher education in STEM fields and want to share these opportunities with others. Participants learn about the career paths of STEM role models, develop their communication and debating skills, and strengthen their IT competencies. The programs for the 2025–2026 period are implemented within the framework of the STREAM IT project, which aims to reduce gender inequalities in STEM education, research, and innovation, while supporting inclusive and diverse career orientation.

In addition, another NaTE initiative, SMARTIZ (https://nokatud.hu/smartiz/), focuses on a year-long development of mathematical and IT skills for 10th-grade girls in collaboration with the Morgan Stanley team. The next opportunity to apply for this program will open in the fall of 2026.

The visit on January 22 confirmed that there is immense power in career orientation when young people can discuss real questions in a real environment with real people. “The joint program of the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE) and the BARK research center at Obuda University’s EKIK not only demonstrated the diversity of technical fields but also showed that the technologies of the future are built by a wide range of talents and perspectives – and in this, the role of girls is just as natural and important” stated Fruzsina Kara, coordinator of the NaTE Ambassador Program.

The photos were taken during one of the sessions of the NaTE Ambassador Program.