TDK is an acronym for Tudományos Diákkör (literally “Academic Student Circle”), but it is actually a concept. The Student Research Society is a way of life for both the student and the consultant, and something that everyone chooses and does with enthusiasm.

Why would you choose it? Because the university curriculum is rather dry? And because you are overwhelmed by the knowledge you HAVE TO learn and master to pass an exam? Because you might be captivated by an exciting-sounding subject title and think university goes beyond the obligatory credits and social activities and parties? Because it feels good to walk into a department, even in your third semester, and be known by name, be allowed to work in the lab and use the tools you only dared to look at from afar in lab classes? Because no one is looking at what you’ve memorised or what your grade average is, but rather how much time you put in, how many measurements you take and how much you want to understand what you’re doing or the results you’re getting? Because you learn to write an academic paper without any risk before you have to write your thesis? Or learn to give a presentation and try figuring out how you can present 30 slides in 10 minutes – before the final exam?  And practice speaking in front of strangers? These are all reasons why!  And you have the chance to win an award! If you’re good, we’ll even take you to conferences and you can present there – even abroad, even in America!

Are you still not sure what this is all about? Ask us! If you don’t know what a good topic would be and who would be a good consultant for it, then ask! If you start a research project together, your consultant will be excited too, so when you start working together, don’t let them down! If you don’t dare ask me or don’t believe me, ask your fellow students, the best of them: I highly recommend Máté Sepsi and Viktor Kárpáti from the faculty committee.

Prof. Valéria Mertinger
Chair, Faculty TDK Committee