Zoltan Szekanecz

Professor Zoltan Szekanecz is a distinguished rheumatologist and Full Professor at the Department of Rheumatology, Medical Faculty of University of Debrecen, Hungary. He has served as Chairman of the Department since 2001 and has held various leadership roles including Vice-Dean of the Medical Faculty (2013-2018) and President of the Committee of International Affairs (2010-2013).

His educational achievements include a Ph.D. (1995), doctor habilis (2000), and Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (2001). He completed research fellowships at Northwestern University and University of Manchester early in his career.

Professor Szekanecz's research focuses on several critical areas in rheumatology including synovial inflammation, cell adhesion molecules and angiogenesis, genetics of rheumatic diseases, and targeted biological therapies. His work has significantly contributed to understanding cardiovascular comorbidities, secondary cancers, and bone loss in rheumatic diseases, particularly exploring the connections between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

His publications demonstrate a strong focus on clinical guidelines (particularly EULAR recommendations), rheumatoid arthritis management, cardiovascular risk assessment in rheumatic patients, and bone health. His research shows consistent collaboration with international rheumatology experts and has been published in high-impact journals in the field.

• 2019 Issekutz Award, awarded by the Hungarian Society of Pharmacology
• 2019 "90th Anniversary of Medical Education", awarded by the University of Debrecen
• 2013 Szentágothai National Excellence Award
• 2012 Polgár Award, awarded by the Hungarian Society of Osteology
• 2008 Belák Sándor Award, awarded by the Hungarian Association of Rheumatologists
• 2008 Debrecen Academy Committee Award, awarded by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
• 1999 Széchenyi Professor Award

Professor Szekanecz has held significant leadership positions in professional organizations, serving as General Secretary of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) since 2019, and previously as a member of the EULAR Scientific Committee (2014-2017). He has also been active in numerous Hungarian medical societies including the Hungarian Academy of Sciences committees and the Hungarian Association of Rheumatologists where he served as president in 2012.

His academic contributions include 448 original articles (Hirsch index 65, 15,000 citations, i10 index 180, cumulative impact factor 840), 12 books, and 87 book chapters, establishing him as a leading authority in rheumatology research.