The NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine was once again present at Hungary’s flagship vocational event, the Szakma Sztár (Profession Star) Festival, held at the Hungexpo Fair Centre in Budapest between 28–29 April 2025. The event provided a high-profile platform for career orientation and professional excellence, drawing thousands of students and industry representatives alike.

This year’s festival welcomed more than 200 students competing in over 50 professions as part of the national finals of the Excellent Student of the Profession Competition (Szakma Kiváló Tanulója Verseny – SZKTV) and the National Vocational Study Competition (Országos Szakmai Tanulmányi Verseny – OSZTV) – Hungary’s most prestigious vocational contests. Alongside the competitions, visitors explored a wide range of interactive exhibits, including a showcase of the military medical profession.

At the invitation of the National Directorate General for Hospitals (OKFŐ) Education Department – and in line with our longstanding cooperation – NATO MILMED COE participated for the second time at the OKFŐ stand. This engagement supported the work of Hungary’s national medical services – the host nation of the Centre – while further strengthening NATO MILMED COE’s visibility and public outreach.

A particularly engaging element of our presence was the demonstration of NATO MILMED COE’s virtual reality (VR) capability, which offered visitors a unique, immersive insight into military medical training environments. Our experience and forward-looking developments in this area attracted significant interest from students, educators, and professionals alike, contributing to both the educational value and the overall quality of the event.

For NATO MILMED COE, the festival provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with young people interested in healthcare, science, and public service. Through hands-on presentations and direct interaction with our personnel, students were introduced to the distinctive world of military medicine and the international cooperation at the heart of NATO’s health preparedness missions.

The Centre’s involvement offered benefits on multiple levels: it inspired students with potential career paths, reinforced institutional ties within Hungary’s health sector, and demonstrated our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. For those of us who took part, the event was not only professionally rewarding but also personally meaningful – a genuine act of service and knowledge-sharing.

NATO MILMED COE firmly believes that its mission extends beyond military frameworks. As a NATO entity, we strive to build bridges with civil society, and participating in events like “Szakma Sztár” is a vital part of that commitment – informing, inspiring, and supporting the next generation of professionals.

We thank OKFŐ for the continued trust and cooperation, and all visitors for their enthusiasm – we look forward to seeing you again next year!