The Botka Imre Award, established by the Mechanical Division of the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers, was awarded in 2024 to Dr. habil. Barna Hanula, a certified mechanical engineer and internationally renowned expert in engine development. The prestigious award ceremony took place on December 5, 2024, at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), in the K Building.

A Career Rooted in BME – and a Return

Dr. Barna Hanula’s career is closely tied to BME. He graduated from the Faculty of Transportation Engineering in 1983 and began his professional journey as a departmental engineer and assistant lecturer at the predecessor of today’s Department of Automotive Technologies. During this time, he mentored numerous future industry leaders, including Prof. Dr. László Palkovics, Hungary’s Minister for Innovation and Technology, and Zoltán Les, a board member at Audi Hungaria.

In addition to his teaching roles, Dr. Hanula made significant contributions to motorsport as one of Hungary’s most successful engine developers of the era. His achievements quickly gained international recognition, and in 1989 he moved to Germany, where he held leading positions at Dr. Schrick GmbH and later AVL-Schrick GmbH.

Engineering Achievements That Made History

Dr. Barna Hanula has been instrumental in several automotive milestones:

• Development of Ford’s 4.0 V6 engine, produced in annual volumes of 700,000 units.
• Creation of the Ford Rocam engine family, reaching millions of units in Brazil and Europe.
• Contributions to the development of the iconic 16-cylinder, 1,000-horsepower Bugatti Veyron engine.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in designing ultralight diesel engines for the Bundeswehr and advancing electric and hybrid drivetrains.

Bridging Education and Industry

Throughout his career, Dr. Hanula has placed a strong emphasis on education. Alongside his work in Germany, he regularly gave lectures at BME and other universities. Today, he remains an active contributor to the Department of Automotive Technologies, participating in curriculum development and further enhancing its educational offerings.

Recognition and Inspiration

The Botka Imre Award is a fitting recognition of a career that has enriched both industrial innovation and education. Dr. habil. Barna Hanula serves as an exemplary figure of engineering excellence and the societal role of the engineering profession.

The receipt of this award highlights not only an extraordinary professional journey but also BME’s influential role as a hub of scientific and engineering excellence.

Dr. Barna Hanula’s career exemplifies the close relationship between technological innovation, education, and industry—a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of engineers for decades to come.