Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Dr. Gábor Pintér holds dual academic appointments as Assistant Professor at Károli Gáspár Reformed University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Department of Japanology) and as Associate Professor at Kobe University's School of Languages and Communication. Born in Hungary in 1977, he earned his MA (2005) and PhD (2008) in Linguistics from Kobe University, Japan, with a dissertation on asymmetrical segment distributions in Japanese. His research focuses on three interconnected domains: phonological theory (especially Japanese phonology), experimental phonetics, and applications of automatic speech recognition in language education. Specific interests include vowel devoicing patterns, prosodic perception in L2 learners, phonotactic constraints, and diachronic sound changes in Japanese. Pintér actively contributes to international research collaborations, including the JSPS-funded project 'Stochastic & theoretical phonological research' and serves as chair of the Phonology Association in Kansai (PAIK). His 15 most recent publications demonstrate methodological diversity, combining theoretical linguistics with computational approaches and experimental studies, primarily focused on Japanese phonetics and speech technology applications. Professional memberships include board positions in The Phonological Society of Japan and memberships in the International Speech Communication Association and Association for Laboratory Phonology.
Matthias Riedl is Associate Professor in the Department of Historical Studies at Central European University (CEU), where he is also a member of the Center for Religious Studies and the Doctoral School of History. He holds affiliations with the Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies and has taught extensively in comparative political thought and religious history. His academic career includes prior roles as Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Visiting Assistant Professor at Duke University, and Visiting Lecturer at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. His educational background includes an M.A. and Ph.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. His research lies at the intersection of religion and politics, focusing on intellectual history, apocalypticism, and radical religious movements from late antiquity to the early modern period. He has a strong interest in comparative frameworks, including non-Western political thought and religious dissent across cultures. Riedl’s recent publications explore themes such as apocalyptic violence, the political theology of Thomas Müntzer and Joachim of Fiore, and the secularization of religious concepts in modern ideologies. His work bridges historical analysis with philosophical inquiry, often engaging with theorists like Eric Voegelin and Karl Löwith. The articles reflect a consistent focus on millenarian thought, revolutionary agency, and the symbolic continuity of apocalyptic traditions across epochs. Among his scientific contributions are numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and edited volumes on topics ranging from the ordering of time to the city as a symbolic center. Though no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record and international academic engagements reflect scholarly recognition. Riedl has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s students on diverse topics including church-state relations, religious violence, and comparative theology. He has directed multiple international summer schools on religion and politics, often in collaboration with institutions like Duke University. His research is supported by long-term projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly through the Eranos Conferences. He is actively involved in research groups and has contributed to collective works on prophets, time, and the secular sphere in theology. His ongoing monograph on Thomas Müntzer underscores his commitment to understanding revolutionary religious thought in historical context.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
István Zalatnay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Gáspár Károli Reformed University. His academic work bridges philosophy and theology, with a strong focus on liturgical studies, the philosophy of religion, and the history of philosophy. His educational background includes a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from Eötvös Loránd University (2004), an MA in Philosophy from the same institution (1995), and training as a Reformed pastor (1985). He previously served as an Associate Professor and Vice-Rector at Pápai Reformed Theological Academy. His research interests are extensive, encompassing logic, epistemology, systematic theology, and international relations with a focus on minority policy. His scholarship is deeply rooted in phenomenological analysis, particularly of liturgical texts and religious experience. His recent publications, spanning from 2011 to 2023, demonstrate a consistent focus on Hungarian Reformed theology, liturgical practice, and the interplay between philosophy and religion. Key themes include the future of the church, sacred time and space, the interpretation of historical and theological texts (such as the Heidelberg Catechism), and the legacy of Hungarian philosophical and theological figures. He has supervised doctoral students, including Ágnes Fekete on the topic of liturgy and time. His international experience includes a research fellowship at the North Atlantic Assembly in 1992. He is fluent in English, German, and French, with reading proficiency in Italian. His primary point of contact is via email at zalatnay.istvan@kre.hu.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Eva Banki is an Associate Professor at the Department of Ancient and Classical Hungarian Literature, Institute of Hungarian Language, Literature and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. Previously, she served as a Lecturer at ELTE BTK (Eötvös Loránd University Faculty of Arts). Her academic career spans medieval literature, world literature, and creative writing. Banki earned her PhD in Romance studies/world literature from ELTE BTK in 1999 with a dissertation titled "Lyrical temporal relations in Provençal troubadour poetry." She completed her MA in Hungarian language and literature – Portuguese language and literature at ELTE BTK in 1991-92. She has advanced proficiency in Portuguese, intermediate in German, and reading comprehension in Spanish, Italian, and French. Her research focuses on medieval literature, particularly Provençal troubadour poetry, world literature, and creative writing. She has made significant contributions to the study of hard-boiled crime fiction in Hungarian literature and courtly literature. Her scholarly work explores themes of identity, time, cultural memory, and political discourse across historical periods and literary traditions, bridging medieval studies with contemporary literary analysis. Banki's recent publications demonstrate a scholarly trajectory examining Arthurian legends, chivalric romances, and medieval poetry while engaging with modern Hungarian authors like Tar Sándor and Bodor Ádám. Her work consistently explores the intersections of identity, politics, and literary form across historical periods, with particular attention to narrative structure and symbolic representation. Fiction Observer Award (2004) Mikes Kelemen Award (2008) Fiction Writers Award (2021) Attila József Award (2024) Literary Magazine Award (2024) Banki has been actively involved in doctoral education, serving as an opponent at doctoral defenses for topics including female characters in French literature, gender and structure in Bernardim Ribeiro's novel, and contemporary Brazilian literature. She co-founded the Creative Writing specialization at her institution with István Géher in 2014 and has served as subject manager for multiple courses including World Literature and Translation in Culture. She participates in several research groups including the Latin America Research Group (KRE), the Hungarian Branch of the International Courtly Literature Society, and the Contemporary Central European Novel Research Group (KRE), reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to literary studies across historical periods and cultural contexts.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Thomas Cooper holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Indiana University (2003) and an MA in Central Euro-Asian Studies (1998). He is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of English Literatures and Cultures. Previously, he served as Associate Professor at Eszterházy Károly College and Assistant Director at Columbia University's Institute for Comparative Literature and Society. Cooper's research focuses on literary history, translation theory, and the interplay of culture and narrative. His recent articles explore topics such as storytelling techniques, cultural mediation in translation, and the literary impact of 20th-century historical events like the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. His work also intersects with musicology, analyzing tonal innovations in Ferenc Liszt's compositions. Scientific Awards: György Ránki Award (1998) Cooper has held guest teaching and research roles, including at Columbia University (2006), and presented at the United Nations Study Group on Languages (2015). His linguistic expertise includes near fluency in French, German, and Hungarian, alongside native English proficiency.
István Perczel is Professor at the Department of Historical Studies at Central European University (CEU), where he has been teaching since 1994. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies and Head of Unit at the Center for Religious Studies. He holds affiliations with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, as the Mar Chrysostom Chair Professor, a visiting position he assumed in 2023. His research interests span Patristics , late antique philosophy , early Christian theology , Syriac studies , and the history of Indian Syrian Christians . He is particularly known for his groundbreaking work on Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and sixth-century Origenism. His research is deeply interdisciplinary, combining philology, philosophy, theology, and cultural history. The most recent publications reflect a strong focus on manuscript studies , Christian Platonism , and Indian Christian history . His work often deciphers theological and philosophical texts through historical and linguistic analysis, with a particular emphasis on Syriac and Greek sources. Themes of heresy and orthodoxy , intercultural exchange , and liturgical and mystical theology recur across his scholarship. David Beecher Evans and Origenism in the Sixth Century (2023) Christology and the Eucharist in Two Redactions of Pseudo-Dionysius (2024) New Evidence on the Sixteenth-Century East Syriac Missions in the Malabar Coast (2024) Perczel has received numerous fellowships from institutions in Leuven, Washington, Athens, Berlin, Trento, Princeton, Jerusalem, and Bochum. He has served as visiting professor in Paris, Halifax, and multiple Indian cities including Kottayam, Kalady, and Bangalore. He has supervised several PhD students whose work has led to influential publications in early Christian theology and comparative religious studies. His current research projects include the Cluster of Excellence EurAsian Transformations and Cultural Symbiosis and Conflict in South India , funded by European and Indian sources. Perczel initiated the SRITE project in 2000 to digitize and catalog the manuscript heritage of Indian Syrian Christians. This long-term fieldwork-based initiative has uncovered over 1,500 Syriac manuscripts and thousands of palm-leaf documents, significantly enriching the understanding of South Asian Christian history and culture.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Joop van der Horst is an associate professor at Károli Gáspár Reformed University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, specializing in Dutch Studies. Previously, he held professorial roles at KU Leuven and the University of Amsterdam. PhD in Linguistics (University of Amsterdam, 1986) MA in Dutch Language and Literature (Leiden University, 1975) His research spans historical linguistics, focusing on grammaticalization, collocations, and language change, as well as descriptive linguistics (syntax, morphology) and sociolinguistics. He has extensively studied fixed verb constructions, Dutch-French grammatical comparisons, and long-term language-society interactions. His publications and conference contributions from 2002-2013 highlight trends in Dutch syntax evolution, comparative German-Dutch verb patterns, and the decline of Renaissance language culture in Europe. Key themes include grammatical theory, European multilingualism, and language education reforms. LOT Publication Award Our Language Award He has supervised PhD students Freek Van de Velde, Judith Schonenboom, and Bert Cappelle, while serving as an opponent in doctoral defenses including Evie Coussé and Rinaldo Neels. His guest professorships include institutions in Berlin, Maastricht, Cologne, Münster, and Wroclaw.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Dr. Orsolya Nador is an Associate Professor at the Department of Hungarian Linguistics, Institute of Hungarian Language, Literature and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Károli Gáspár Reformed University in Budapest, Hungary. With a PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (1998), she has dedicated her career to the study of language policy, Hungarian as a foreign language, and the linguistic landscape of East-Central Europe. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in language teaching and policy development across Central and Eastern European contexts. PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (1998) MA in Hungarian Language and Literature, Eötvös Loránd University (1983) Habilitation, University of Pécs (2001) Dr. univ. in Contemporary Hungarian Literature, Eötvös Loránd University (1988) Teacher of Hungarian-Russian Primary School, Eger Teacher Training College (1981) Dr. Nador's research focuses on language policy history, Hungarian as a foreign language (including educational policy and psycholinguistic aspects), Hungarian as a language of origin, the history of Hungarian applied linguistics, and diachronic analysis of linguistic-ethnic issues in East-Central Europe. Her interdisciplinary approach connects historical linguistics with contemporary language policy challenges, particularly regarding minority languages in the Carpathian Basin region. She has pioneered research on language identity formation and the relationship between linguistic diversity and social cohesion in multi-ethnic contexts, examining how language policies shape national identities across Central Europe. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the linguistic landscape of the Carpathian Basin, with particular attention to language policy development, minority language rights, and the teaching of Hungarian as both a foreign and heritage language. Dr. Nador's scholarly work demonstrates how historical language policies continue to influence contemporary linguistic practices and identity formation across East-Central Europe. Her research increasingly addresses digital aspects of language teaching and the evolving role of Hungarian in the European multilingual context, reflecting her commitment to adapting linguistic research to contemporary educational challenges. Teacher of the Year, Károli Gáspár Reformed University (2015) Brassai Prize, Hungarian Association of Applied Linguists and Language Teachers (2023) Dr. Nador has supervised numerous doctoral students working on language policy issues across Europe, including research on Norwegian language policy, Swiss multilingualism, Hungarian language in Burgenland, and media discourse analysis. She has led international research projects including Te-Le-Hu (2008-2010) and Hungarobox (2013-2015), focusing on language teaching methodologies for Hungarian as a foreign language. Her editorial work includes serving as editor-in-chief for Modern Language Teaching journal since 2018 and previously for THL2 - Journal of Hungarian Language Teaching (2005-2018), where she shaped the discourse on Hungarian language pedagogy for over a decade. As leader of the Hungarology Research Group, Dr. Nador coordinates collaborative research on Hungarian language and culture across international borders. Her team works closely with institutions in Slovakia, Croatia, Romania, and Serbia to document and analyze the linguistic practices of Hungarian minority communities throughout the Carpathian Basin, creating a comprehensive picture of how Hungarian functions as both a majority and minority language in different national contexts.
Péter Szigetvári is an Associate Professor at the School of English and American Studies , Eötvös Loránd University , specializing in the Department of English Linguistics . His work bridges phonology, morphology, and theoretical linguistics, with a focus on Hungarian and English language structures. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Department: Department of English Linguistics University: Eötvös Loránd University His research explores phonological patterns , including vowel harmony, syllable structure, and morphological constraints. He investigates the interplay between morphology and phonology in Hungarian and English, analyzing phenomena like diminutive formation, diphthong debates, and stress-related vowel reduction. Recent publications highlight trends in Vowel Harmony , Syllable Typology , and Morpho-Phonological Variation . His work often challenges traditional frameworks, proposing paradigm-based or VC phonology approaches. Péter Szigetvári's professional activities include contributions to linguistic journals and a blog at nyest.hu . His office is located at Room 302, Rákóczi út 5, Budapest (1088).
Ildikó Király is a Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, currently serving as Head of the Department of Cognitive Psychology and lecturer. Her research focuses on developmental psychology, particularly social cognition, imitation behavior, and theory of mind in early childhood. Key areas: Social Cognition , Developmental Neuroscience , and Cognitive Development Recent work examines preschoolers' exploration tendencies, joint action observation effects, and linguistic group membership's role in perspective taking. She leads the Social Minds Research Group , investigating how cultural knowledge transmission shapes cognitive development. Her 2021-2025 publications reveal trends in: Imitative behavior's sensitivity to social norms and group identity Memory flexibility in adapting to changing contexts Interactions between semantic processing and mentalization in social situations Comparative studies on human and non-human primate cognition
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Péter Balla is a distinguished University Professor and current International Relations Vice-Rector at Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE), where he has served since 1994. He is Head of the New Testament Department at the Faculty of Theology and has held numerous leadership positions including Rector (2011-2019), Religious Vice-Rector, and previously served as Deputy Dean. His academic journey began with theological studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his PhD in 1994 with a dissertation on New Testament theology. Ball has made significant contributions to New Testament scholarship with his research focusing on Pauline studies, New Testament canon history, biblical exegesis, and the child-parent relationship in biblical context. His major publications include commentaries on Galatians and 2 Corinthians, as well as foundational works on New Testament writings and theology. His scholarly approach combines rigorous textual analysis with historical contextualization and contemporary application. Ball's academic output demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical theological questions and practical biblical interpretation. His works span from detailed linguistic studies of New Testament Greek to broader examinations of New Testament theology's coherence and relevance. The trajectory of his scholarship shows increasing focus on the practical application of biblical texts in contemporary contexts while maintaining scholarly rigor. Bolyai Plaque (2009) from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Pro Universitate Award (2019) from KRE Soli Deo Gloria Award (2019) from Nagykőrösi Reformed Church Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (2024) As a dedicated educator, Ball has supervised numerous doctoral students and served on various academic committees. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including multiple MTA Bolyai János Research Scholarships and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards. Internationally, he has maintained significant academic connections, particularly with Stellenbosch University in South Africa where he served as Research Fellow and Research Associate for over a decade. His work bridges Hungarian Reformed theological tradition with international scholarly discourse in New Testament studies.
Eloise Adde is an Associate Professor and MA Program Director in the Department of Historical Studies at Central European University (CEU) in Vienna. She holds dual PhDs in Medieval History from Paris Panthéon Sorbonne and Czech Literature from Sorbonne Université. Her research focuses on nation-building, political thought, subjectivity, and manuscript culture in late medieval Bohemia and Brabant, with a particular emphasis on vernacular literature and the legitimization of power. Her academic journey includes prestigious fellowships such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship and multiple grants from the FNR Luxembourg. She has held research positions at institutions including Saint-Louis University Brussels, the University of Luxembourg, and Humboldt University Berlin. Her research interests include: Nation-Building and National Identity in the Middle Ages Political Thought and Legitimacy Vernacular Literature and Language Politics Manuscript Transmission and Textual Reception State Formation and Feudal Opposition Medieval Czech and Brabant History Her recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on the emergence of national subjects, the naturalization of political power, and the role of the nobility in shaping political discourse. Her work often employs comparative frameworks between Bohemia and Brabant, analyzing how different socio-political structures influenced the development of national consciousness. She has received significant recognition through scientific awards including: Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship (2020-2022) FNR-CORE grant (2015-2018) FNR-AFR grant (2013-2015) Fernand Braudel-Clemens Heller grant (2013) MAEE, CNRS, CEFRES, Prague grant (2011-2012) Eloise Adde supervises PhD students and has advised Samuel Beňa on the reign of George of Poděbrady. She teaches courses such as The Medieval Nation, Historiography, and Manuscripts, Textual Flow, New Audiences. She is currently preparing a monograph titled Nation – Power – Subjectivity: The Making of National Subjects in Late Medieval Bohemia and Brabant (1300-1450) . She is also co-editing several conference proceedings on Luxembourg dynasty, naturalization of power, and premodern nation-building.
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed ChurchHungary
Dr. Julia Somodi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Japanology, Institute of East Asia, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE) in Budapest, Hungary. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to translation studies and Japanese linguistics. Her educational background includes: PhD in Translation Studies (2015) from ELTE with dissertation on Japanese address terms in Hungarian film translations MA in Japanese and English Studies (2001-2002) from Károli Gáspár Reformed University Dr. Somodi's research focuses on the intricate relationship between pragmatics and translation, particularly examining address terms across Japanese and Hungarian languages. Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with practical translation challenges, with special attention to cultural transfer in literary contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding how linguistic politeness strategies and address systems function differently across these linguistically distant languages. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in translation studies with evolving sophistication. Her early work concentrated on foundational aspects of Japanese address terms, while recent publications demonstrate expanded scope into translation pedagogy, cultural transfer in contemporary literature, and innovative teaching methodologies. A notable thread throughout her career is the humanitarian application of her expertise, particularly in translating testimonies of Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors. Her scientific recognition includes: OTDK témavezetői elismerés (2015, 2021, 2025) Innovatív Oktatói Díj (Innovative Teacher Award, 2024) Dr. Somodi has actively contributed to academic service through committee memberships (Credit Transfer Committee, Quality Assurance Committee), conference organization (including the 30th Departmental Jubilee Conference in 2024), and leadership in the Japanese-Hungarian Translation Technology Workbook project (2025-26). Her international research collaboration with Kyoto University on 'Disfluency in Comparison' demonstrates her standing in the global academic community. She has also served as opponent in doctoral defenses at ELTE, showing her role in shaping the next generation of scholars. Her laboratory work centers around translation technology development and practical translation projects, most notably her ongoing collaboration with the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Victims National Peace Memorial Hall since 2018, where she coordinates and translates survivor testimonies into Hungarian.
Szandra Ésik is a Lecturer at the Department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University. She teaches Chinese language and political discourse analysis while contributing to Hungarian-Chinese lexicography projects. Institute of East Asian Studies Department of Chinese Studies Research Interests: Chinese political rhetoric and discourse analysis Second language teaching methodologies for Chinese Translation studies and bilingual dictionary development Silk Road cultural/economic history Environmental policy in Chinese Communist Party congresses Her recent publications focus on comparative analysis of political speeches (2017-2020), character teaching strategies, and collaborative dictionary projects with scholars like Huba Bartos and Imre Hamar. She has contributed to institutional research at ELTE's Chinese Studies department. Contact: esik.szandra@btk.elte.hu
Benedek Péri , Associate Professor at Eötvös Loránd University, serves as Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies and Head of the Department of Turkic Studies. His research spans Turkic and Persianate literary traditions, focusing on ghazal poetry, cross-cultural imitation networks, and historical documentation. Fields of Interest: Turkic Studies, Persianate World History, Classical Ottoman Poetry, Cross-linguistic Literary Analysis Contact: peri.benedek@btk.elte.hu Research Trends include Ottoman-Persian poetic imitations, Mughal-Turkic linguistic interactions, and historical-cultural documentation. His recent work examines ghazal networks, wine symbolism in Turkic poetry, and Mughal-Ottoman literary exchanges.
