György Kurucz

György Kurucz is a Professor in the Department of Early Modern Economic, Church and Education History at the Faculty of Humanities, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. He serves as both Vice-Dean and Head of Department, demonstrating leadership in academic administration. He previously held significant roles at the Balassi Institute and the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, and had a brief tenure at the BBC as a sub-editor and broadcast journalist.

• MA in History and English Language and Literature, ELTE, 1983
• CSc (Candidate of Sciences) in History, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1997
• Habilitation in History, ELTE, 2008

His research focuses on early modern economic and social history, particularly the intersection of Protestantism, education, and agrarian reform in 18th-century Hungary. He specializes in Anglo-Hungarian relations, the history of agricultural education, and the cultural and financial lives of the Hungarian nobility, especially the Festetics family. His work often explores the transfer of Enlightenment ideas through educational institutions and religious networks.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with themes of agrarian modernization, Protestant intellectual life, noble financial networks, and diplomatic history. His work spans Hungarian, German, and international journals, demonstrating a strong international scholarly presence. He frequently analyzes primary sources related to aristocratic estates, educational reforms, and religious policy.

• Besterman Medal, Very Highly Commended, British Library Association, 1992

Kurucz has not supervised any doctoral students but has served as an opponent in doctoral defenses. He has been involved in curriculum development and educational leadership, notably as Head of the Hungarian Scholarship Board Office at the Balassi Institute. He has organized several academic conferences, including international events on Protestantism and science. He has been a visiting fellow at the University of London and the Herzog August Bibliothek, reflecting active international collaboration.

He is a member of the Reformed Church Cultural History Research Group and the Protestantism and Transylvania Research Group at his department. He has also been affiliated with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences' University History Committee and the Oxford-Hungarian Society.