Attila Kunszabó, a researcher from the Food Chain Science Institute, achieved first place at the II. Hungarian Agricultural Science PhD Symposium with his research on reducing household food waste. Kunszabó is a doctoral student at the Food Chain Science Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, and he presented his research at the symposium held at the University.
The event, which took place on February 16, 2024, featured nearly fifty presentations across three rooms and seven sections, highlighting the research results of doctoral students conducting agricultural studies in the Carpathian Basin.
Attila Kunszabó, a second-year doctoral student at the UVMB’s Food Chain Science Institute, delivered a presentation in the Food Science, Plant Production, and Horticultural Science section. His research focused on the important topic of reducing household food waste. (supervisors: Dr. habil. Miklós Süth, Dr. habil. Gyula Kasza) In his section, 17 excellent doctoral candidates from 9 universities presented their research.
Atilla is part of a research group at the University that addresses both scientific and policy issues, particularly relevant as the European Union is currently in the process of coordinating mandatory food waste reduction targets. According to the research findings, household food waste per person in Hungary has decreased by 27% in the past 6 years. Consumers underestimate the quantity of food waste by approximately 48% compared to actual data, but a majority (77%) express the willingness to reduce waste at home. The research also revealed that consumers perceive avoidable and unavoidable food waste differently. This is crucial, as current legislation considers forgotten, spoiled ready meals and indigestible chicken bones as equivalent food waste.
The recognition for the presentation is not only a personal success but also emphasizes the significance of the research conducted by the Food Chain Science Institute and the Department of Applied Food Science in reducing food waste. Food waste is a global challenge that addresses key issues of sustainability and environmentally conscious farming. Both the scientific community and policymakers prioritize the development of effective solutions, highlighting the relevance of Atilla’s research.
The European Union’s “Farm to Fork” strategy and its food waste reduction targets influence not only the policies and economic practices of member states but also align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. One of the strategy’s aims is a significant reduction in food waste in the EU by 2030, bringing not only environmental benefits but also economic and social advantages.
The research presented in the seven sections of the symposium, spanning forestry, plant cultivation, veterinary and animal breeding sciences, sheds light on the significant role of agricultural professionals in addressing current global challenges. These challenges include mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, managing food and nutrition security, and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Therefore, the II. Hungarian Agricultural Science PhD Symposium provides an opportunity for young researchers to share their scientific achievements, establish professional connections for their careers, and foster collaboration across different scientific disciplines. This accessibility of scientific knowledge contributes to the development of agricultural sciences, the resolution of global problems, and the creation of a sustainable future, not only for researchers but also for the broader audience.
Stay tuned for further articles on the scientific work of other awarded doctoral students from the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest.
List of awardees:
Section of Veterinary Sciences:
- 1st place: Dr. Ádám Kerek
- 2nd place: Júlia Vörösházi
- 3rd place: Dr. Koppány Boros
- Special awardees: Dr. Patrik Tráj, Dr. Zsóka Várhidi, Dr. Alma Virág Móritz
Section of Animal Husbandry Sciences:
- 1st place: Dr. Melinda Bagi
- 2nd place: Arnold Tóth
- 3rd place: Reda Gebrehaweria
- Special awardees: Szilvia Szalai, Sawadi Ndunguru
Section of Food Sciences:
- 1st place: Atilla Kunszabó
- 2nd place: Anna Matkovits
- 3rd place: Melinda Héjja
- Special awardees: Péter Hajdú, Daniella Sári
Section of Plant Cultivation and Horticultural Sciences:
- 1st place: Ariel Tóth
- 2nd place: Ammar Allem
- 3rd place: Tünde Irén Szabó-Szöllösi
- Special awardees: Ariel Tóth, Tarek Alahmad, Boglárka Bozóki
Section of Forestry and Wildlife Management Sciences:
- 1st place: Éva Király
- 2nd place: Orsolya Zorkóczy
- 3rd place: Péter Végh
- Special awardee: Máté Katona
Section of Environmental and Nature Conservation Sciences:
- 1st place: Aliz Füleki-Veress
- 2nd place: Mirella Hirth
- 3rd place: Irén Marsi
Poster Walk Section:
- 1st place: Dr. Krisztina Pintér
- 2nd place: Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh
- 3rd place: Anikó Boros
- Special awardees: Dr. Péter Ferenc Dobra, Attila Fürész