Former Student Inspires Future Innovators: Szilárd Hunor Tóth Returns to Bolyai High School

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Szilárd Hunor Tóth, a PhD candidate at the Department of Automotive Technologies, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), recently revisited his alma mater, Bolyai János High School in Salgótarján, to inspire the next generation of students. On November 13, as part of the University Research Scholarship Program (EKÖP), Szilárd gave a career orientation and science promotion lecture to high school students, encouraging them to pursue ambitious academic and research goals.

His presentation, titled “AI Applications for Autonomous Vehicle Control”, offered an engaging glimpse into the fascinating field of autonomous vehicles. Szilárd’s research focuses on Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Vehicle Control, a cutting-edge topic with exciting potential for the future of mobility.

Key Topics Covered in the Lecture:

  • What are autonomous vehicles?
  • Levels of vehicle autonomy and how they operate – how do self-driving cars make decisions?
  • Benefits of autonomous vehicles – enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Drifting and reinforcement learning – why is it important for a car to “teach itself” how to drift?
  • Where to study if you want to develop autonomous cars?

Szilárd aimed to motivate the students to dream big and to consider research as a viable and exciting career path. “The university provides a strong foundation, and the door to research is open to anyone with the passion to pursue it,” he emphasized.

As an alumnus of Bolyai High School, Szilárd also used his own journey to show students what is possible. From graduating high school to becoming an active member of BME’s research community, he offered a relatable example of how the seeds of a successful research career can be planted early.

The students showed great interest during and after the lecture, asking insightful questions about the challenges and opportunities in the field. Szilárd highlighted the importance of not only technical skills but also creativity and teamwork in developing autonomous vehicles, making it a highly diverse and rewarding area of study and work.

A Role Model for Aspiring Innovators

Visits like this are invaluable, not only for promoting science but also for strengthening the bond between schools and their alumni. Szilárd Hunor Tóth’s lecture will undoubtedly inspire many talented students to pursue ambitious goals, perhaps even exploring the world of research and innovation.

The Department of Automotive Technologies at BME remains committed to sharing the knowledge and achievements of its researchers and students, inspiring the next generation to dream and achieve great things.