SDG 3 - GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Current collaborations with health institutions (3.3.1)

Health outreach programmes (3.3.2)

Shared sports facilities (3.3.3)

Sexual and reproductive health care services for students (3.3.4)

Mental health support for students (3.3.5)

Smoke-free policy (3.3.6)

Mental health support for staff (3.3.7)

Current collaborations with health institutions (3.3.1)

In 2025, Széchenyi István University had active collaborations with local, national and international health institutions that contribute to improved health outcomes, wellbeing, quality of life, patient care, disease prevention, rehabilitation, healthcare innovation, digital health, and sustainable healthcare services.

The collaborations cover all three levels. Local health institutions: Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital of Győr. National health institutions: Semmelweis University, St. Andrew Hospital for Rheumatology and Medicinal Spa of Hévíz, and the Slachta Margit National Institute for Social Policy. Global health institutions: GE Healthcare.

Health Technology Campus of Széchenyi István University

A cornerstone of these efforts is the University’s Health Technology Campus (HTC), established in partnership with Semmelweis University, the Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital of Győr, and GE Healthcare Hungary. The initiative supports the renewal of health education and training, health technology research and development, healthcare innovation, and university health services. It also provides a framework for participation in European health programmes that aim to strengthen healthcare systems and improve population health and wellbeing.

Collaborations to improve health and wellbeing

The University works closely with the Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital to advance healthcare delivery and medical research. In 2025, the cooperation included the operation and research application of the Da Vinci surgical robot, supporting the development of innovative surgical procedures and artificial intelligence-based healthcare solutions. These activities contribute to improved patient care, healthcare quality, and medical innovation outcomes.

In 2025, Széchenyi István University continued its cooperation with the St. Andrew Hospital for Rheumatology and Medicinal Spa of Hévíz, covering joint research, health sciences education, telemedicine, digital health, sports medicine, and healthcare innovation. The partnership supports the development of new healthcare services and technologies designed to promote healthy ageing, preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, health promotion, and community wellbeing.

In 2025 Széchenyi István University launched a collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to develop AI-supported rehabilitation technologies, including intelligent wheelchairs, exoskeleton systems, and remote medical supervision solutions. The project aims to improve rehabilitation services, support independent living, enhance mobility, and ultimately improve the quality of life and wellbeing of patients requiring long-term rehabilitation. Széchenyi István University contributes health technology expertise, digital infrastructure, and clinical validation activities.

 

In 2025, Széchenyi István University and the Slachta Margit National Institute for Social Policy signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop education, research, and knowledge dissemination in the field of care policy. As a result of the partnership, the University launched a new Master’s programme in Care Policy Studies, while the two institutions also committed to long-term cooperation in research and professional development related to the social care sector. The collaboration aims to strengthen regional care policy, support scientific research, and contribute to the training of future professionals and leaders in the social care sector. The partners also seek to address workforce shortages in care services and promote evidence-based solutions for societal challenges related to ageing populations and social care provision. The partnership is linked to the University’s MedTech Health Technology Campus development, where plans include elderly care services and practical training opportunities for students. Through this initiative, the University contributes to the development of integrated care systems that support healthy ageing, long-term care, quality of life, and community wellbeing.

Health outreach programmes (3.3.2)

Örömfutás – “fun run”

In 2025, Széchenyi István University delivered several health outreach programmes for the wider community that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing, preventive healthcare, and healthy ageing. These initiatives are open not only to students and employees, but also to members of the public.

Széchenyi István University organizes the UNI Győr Örömfutás (i.e. “fun run”), a free weekly running and walking programme open not only to students but also to residents of Győr and the surrounding region. Participants can choose between 5 km and 10 km runs and a 5 km walk. The programme is designed to encourage regular exercise and create an inclusive community sports environment. The 100th UNI Győr Örömfutás community running and walking event was held on 24 May 2025. By this date, more than 1500 people had registered, with approximately 200 to 250 participants attending each week.

The initiative focuses on “health, regularity, goals and self-improvement” and aims to inspire more people to adopt an active lifestyle. Participants range in age from children to older adults over 80 years old.

International Day of Yoga

On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, Széchenyi István University, in cooperation with the Embassy of India in Hungary and the Amrita Sher-Gil Indian Cultural Centre, organized a health and wellbeing event on its Győr campus in June 2025. The programme included a free yoga class and communal yoga practice, welcoming Hungarian and international students as well as members of the local community.  The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the positive effects of yoga on physical health, mental wellbeing, and healthy lifestyles. Through practical participation and health education, the event encouraged community members to adopt habits that support long-term health, stress reduction, balance, and overall wellbeing.  The programme also highlighted the role of yoga in fostering harmony between body, mind, and spirit, while promoting the development of healthier and more conscious communities. University representatives emphasized that promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing is an important part of the institution’s mission.

Researchers’ Night 2025

As part of its public engagement activities, Széchenyi István University participated in the Researchers’ Night 2025 programme by offering several interactive activities related to health, wellbeing, and human performance that were accessible to members of the wider community. Through these activities, the University contributed to improving health awareness, promoting preventive healthcare, and encouraging informed lifestyle choices.

A key health-related programme was the InBody body composition measurement, organized by the University’s Psychophysiological Research Laboratory. This modern, rapid, and non-invasive assessment enabled participants to gain detailed information about their physical condition and body composition. By providing insights into indicators related to fitness and physical health, the activity helped participants better understand their health status and encouraged greater awareness of healthy lifestyle practices.

Special programme for disadvantaged people: through the international non-profit initiative Cycling Without Age (Biciklivel kortalanul), University students work with community partners and residential care institutions to promote the wellbeing, social inclusion and active ageing of older adults living in care. The programme has been launched in Hungary on the initiative of the We Are of One Blood (Egy Vérből Vagyunk) Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and with the active involvement of Széchenyi István University and the Integrated Health and Social Care Institution in Győr. The essence of the program is that elderly people can sit on a special bicycle, or rickshaw, which is driven by volunteers, and set off together on an adventure-filled tour.

Shared sports facilities (3.3.3)

Széchenyi István University shares its sports facilities with the local community through public access arrangements and rental opportunities. Members of the public, local organisations, schools, sport clubs and other external users can use a range of university sport facilities. Public information is provided through a dedicated webpage, including facility description, booking procedures, rental opportunities, and contact details. These services were also available in 2025. Available facilities include football pitches, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, indoor sport halls, water sport facilities, fitness areas, and other recreation infrastructure. External users can access several facilities through rental arrangements.

The Sport and Recreation Centre and Sport Office provide information on sport infrastructure, booking opportunities, facility use, schedule, rental options and community access. Facilities under the supervision of the Sport and Recreation Centre are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm, at times arranged with the centre. This also applies to external users. Major facilities on the University Campus are:

  • University Training Hall and Condition Room (multi-purpose sport arena divisible into three sections, with strength-training and cardio rooms)
  • Boathouse (boats can be borrowed by prior arrangement with the Training Hall reception desk)
  • Ergonometry Laboratory (available according to timetable).

The campus green areas and open spaces between the buildings are public and may be visited free of charge. The outdoor basketball court, running track, and teqball table are available for use free of charge by everyone. The artificial-turf football pitch and the volleyball court are available free of charge to university students and employees holding a Sport Support Card, while external users may use these facilities for a rental fee.

Sexual and reproductive health care services for students (3.3.4)

Széchenyi István University provides students with access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, information, education and specialist medical consultation through its university healthcare system. Services include specialist gynaecological consultations, preventive gynaecological screening examinations, cervical cytology screening, investigation of reproductive health concerns, and initiation of treatment where required. The services are available to both Hungarian and international students through University’s MedTech Health Technology Campus and Uni-Medicampus healthcare services. Students can access dedicated gynaecological clinics operated by qualified obstetrician-gynaecologists through an appointment system made publicly available on university webpages. Free university services are available since January 1, 2025.

Széchenyi István University provides a student service portal page for gynaecology, where all necessary information can be observed.

Mental health support for students (3.3.5)

Széchenyi István University provides all students with access to professional mental health support services, including psychological counselling, clinical psychology services, mental health and lifestyle counselling, crisis support, and wellbeing programmes. These services are available to both Hungarian and international students free of charge, and are designed to support mental health, mental wellbeing, personal development, crisis management, and successful university integration.

Psychological Counselling Services

The Uni-Medicampus of Széchenyi István University offers professional health services, including psychological counselling for students, free of charge. The service supports the identification of personal difficulties and crisis situations and provides assistance in addressing them, thereby promoting mental wellbeing and emotional resilience. The service places strong emphasis on health-development services supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

Students at Széchenyi István University have access to dedicated clinical psychologist through the healthcare system of the University, at no cost to students. The publicly available medical service page provides information about appointment procedures and contact details. The medical service pack contains psychological consultation supporting mental wellbeing of students.

Széchenyi István University provides Mental Health and Lifestyle Counselling for students free of charge. This service supports students in managing personal, academic, and lifestyle-related challenges, promotes self-awareness and personal development, and helps students cope with stress and everyday difficulties. The service forms part of the University’s commitment to support student wellbeing and a healthy university environment.

Anyone who comes for counselling has the opportunity to perceive the things and problems in their life that are troubling, disturbing, causing them a lot of difficulties, or seem unsolvable (personal, family, relationship) in a new way – and thus cope with them more effectively. A confidential atmosphere develops between the counsellor and the person seeking advice, which enables communication, exploration, change, and development. Personal consultations are provided by Mária Bogdányi and Lili Hujber, and students can use them free of charge.

Expanding its wellbeing initiatives in 2025, the University also offers free bibliotherapy (literature therapy) group sessions. These self-awareness groups utilise literary texts as a creative starting point for exploring personal feelings, life situations, and everyday challenges. By reading and discussing literature in a safe, supportive group environment, students can gain deeper insights into their own emotions, connect with peers, and foster their personal growth from a fresh perspective.

In addition to these services, the University actively assists students in navigating academic pressures by offering group Relaxation and Autogenic Training programmes, also free of charge. Launching at the beginning of every semester, these courses are designed to provide effective, proactive coping strategies for stress management. Through these guided practices, participants learn evidence-based physical and mental techniques to release tension, quiet the mind, and cultivate lasting inner calm. These group sessions empower students to build resilience against university-related fatigue and anxiety, ultimately enhancing both their academic focus and overall wellbeing.

Smoke-free policy (3.3.6)

Széchenyi István University has a formal smoke-free policy through its Non-Smokers Protection Regulation. The policy applies across all university campuses and facilities and restricts smoking to designated outdoor smoking areas only. The regulation applies to the University’s headquarters, all campuses and sites, and to all persons present on university premises, including students, staff, visitors, contractors, and guests.

The policy explicitly states that:

  • Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed spaces at the University’s headquarters and all other university locations.
  • No-smoking signs must be displayed at all building entrances in clearly visible locations.
  • Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas specifically marked for this purpose.
  • For healthcare facilities operating on university premises, designated smoking areas must be located at least 10 metres away from healthcare users’ routes and from public entrances.
  • Designated smoking areas are formally identified and regulated by the University.

The policy forms part of the University’s commitment to protecting non-smokers, promoting healthy environments, and supporting the health and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors.

Mental health support for staff (3.3.7)

Széchenyi István University provides staff with access to mental health support through dedicated wellbeing services, psychological counselling opportunities, mental health awareness programmes, specialist consultations, and crisis-management support initiatives. These services are available to staff free of charge.

The university offers free one-on-one Mental Health and Psychological Counselling for employees, and in addition targeted group programmes designed to build long-term stress management skills. Notable opportunities for 2025 feature Autogenic Training and Stress Management and Relaxation Training. These courses are specifically structured across several sessions so that participants can thoroughly learn proven relaxation techniques and subsequently practise them on their own in their daily lives. Participation in these group courses is free of charge for staff.

The Mental Health Day for Staff program of Széchenyi István University (October 6-10, 2025) provides direct access to mental health professionals, including:

  • psychological consultations
  • mental health specialist consultations
  • mental health awareness activities
  • crisis-management support program.