Members

Short introduction:

Dr. László Galgóczy received his PhD in 2008 from the University of Szeged and held temporary post-doctoral positions at several institutes prior to joining the Department of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged in 2018, where he holds a permanent position now.

During his PhD and postdoc studies he investigated antifungal proteins from Ascomycetes in several aspects.

He habilitated in Biotechnology in 2020, and has 65 publications in peer-reviewed journals. The number of independent citations to his papers exceeds 850 (cumulative impact factor: 149,281 h-index: 19).

In the last few years he participated in many ground breaking research projects, dealing with the mode of action, the structure, the biological role, heterologous expression and possible application of antifungal proteins. Up to now 25 publications in international peer-reviewed journals have been published on this topic.

Moreover, he disseminated his scientific work at several national and international meetings and conferences. He is author of 5 book chapters concerning the topic of antifungal proteins, detection of human pathogenic fungi and security sensitive microbes. He is (was) editorial board member of peer-reviewed international journals (Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers in Fungal Biology, MDPI Microorganisms, World Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases).

Dr. Galgóczy has trained 18 BSc, 11 MSc, 5 PhD students and 3 postdoctoral researchers.

Education / Trainings:

2020: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Biotechnology (Szeged, Hungary) – Doctor habilis (Biotechnology)
2006: TÜV Rheinland Academy (Budapest, Hungary) – Environmental Management System Referent; ISO 14001:2004
2003 – 2006: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD (Microbiology)
1998 – 2003: University of Szeged, University of Szeged, Faculty of Science (Szeged, Hungary) – Biologist (Microbiology - Biotechnology)
1995 – 1999: Juhász Gyula Teachers Training College (Szeged, Hungary) – Biology-Chemistry teacher

Positions:

2021- present: associate professor (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Biotechnology; Szeged, Hungary) - permanent university position
2020 – present: Research associate (ELKH Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biochemistry; Szeged, Hungary) – part-time job
2018 – present: Research associate (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Biotechnology; Szeged, Hungary) – permanent university position, full-time job
2018 – 2020: Research associate (HAS Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biology; Szeged, Hungary) – part-time job
2018: Research associate (HAS Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2016 – 2017: Postdoctoral fellow (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Microbiology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2014 – 2016: Postdoctoral fellow (Medical University of Innsbruck, Biocenter, Div. of Molecular Biology; Innsbruck, Austria) – temporary job
2010 – 2014: Postdoctoral fellow (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Microbiology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2008 – 2010: Research associate (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Microbiology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2006 – 2008: Departmental co-worker (University of Szeged, FSI, Dept. of Microbiology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job

Teaching activities:

Gene technology (microbiology):

• Fungal-based expression systems
• Human pathogenic fungi and diagnostics
• Practical courses in Microbiology/Biotechnology

Supervising BSc, MSc and PhD students

Professional Memberships:

2018 – present: Hungarian Society for Microbiology (be on the board)
2012 – present: Hungarian Society for Microbiology (member)
2008 – present: Hungarian Academy of Sciences (public body member)
2006 – present: Federation of European Microbiological Societies (member)
2006 – 2018: Hungarian Society for Microbiology (member)

Editorships:

2020 – present: Associate editor, Frontiers in Fungal Biology (Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne, Switzerland)
2019 – 2020: Associate editor, Frontiers in Microbiology (Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne, Switzerland)
2018 – 2019: Guest editor, Frontiers in Microbiology (Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne, Switzerland)
2017 – 2019: Guest editor, MDPI Microorganisms (MDPI AG, Basel, Switzerland)
2014 – 2018: Editorial board member, International Journal of Clinical & Medical Microbiology (Graphy Publications, Marathahalli, India)
2011 – 2019: Editorial board member, World Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases (Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Beijing, China)

Grants / Scholarships:

2020 – 2024: OTKA Young Researchers’ Excellence Programme (Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office)
2020: UNKP-20-5 New National Excellence Program (Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Hungary)
2019: UNKP-19-4 New National Excellence Program (Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Hungary)
2018: UNKP-18-4 New National Excellence Program (Ministry of Human Capacities, Hungary)
2018 – 2021: János Bolyai Research Scholarship (Hungarian Academy of Sciences)
2017 – 2020: OTKA – FWF Bilateral Austrian-Hungarian Joint Research Project (Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office)
2016 – 2019: OTKA Postdoctoral Excellence Programme (Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office)
2014 – 2016: FWF Lise Meitner Postdoctoral Fellowship (Austrian Science Fund)
2013 – 2014: Magyary Zoltán Postdoctoral Fellowship ( Administrative and Judicial Office, Hungary)
2010 – 2013: OTKA Postdoctoral Fellowship (Hungarian Research Fund)
1998: Scholarship of Hungarian Republic (Ministry of Education, Hungary)

Awards and honours:

2022: Bolyai Plaquette (Hungarian Academy of Sciences)
2010: Publication Prize of Sigma-Aldrich Hungary 2010, III. place
2009: Hungarian Society for Microbiology, article competition for young scientist, I. place
2008: Best presentation in Fourth Hungarian Conference of Mycology 2008
2008: Hungarian Society for Microbiology, article competition for young scientist, II. place
2007: Hungarian Society for Microbiology, article competition for young scientist, II. place
2005: Hungarian Society for Microbiology, article competition for young scientist, II. place

Selected publications:

1. Kovács R, Nagy F, Tóth Z, Forgács L, Tóth L, Váradi G, Tóth GK, Vadászi K, Borman AM, Majoros L, Galgóczy L. The Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2): A new potential weapon against multidrug-resistant Candida auris biofilms. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 14;22(2):771. doi: 10.3390/ijms22020771. PMID: 33466640; PMCID: PMC7828714. PubMed
2. Tóth L, Boros É, Poór P, Ördög A, Kele Z, Váradi G, Holzknecht J, Bratschun-Khan D, Nagy I, Tóth GK, Rákhely G, Marx F, Galgóczy L. The potential use of the Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein PAF, the designed variant PAFopt and its γ-core peptide Pγopt in plant protection. Microb Biotechnol. 2020 Sep;13(5):1403-1414. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.13559. Epub 2020 Mar 24. PMID: 32207883; PMCID: PMC7415367. PubMed
3. Kovács R, Holzknecht J, Hargitai Z, Papp C, Farkas A, Borics A, Tóth L, Váradi G, Tóth GK, Kovács I, Dubrac S, Majoros L, Marx F, Galgóczy L. In vivo applicability of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2) in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2019 Jan 29;63(2):e01777-18. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01777-18. PMID: 30478163; PMCID: PMC6355578. PubMed
4. Galgóczy L, Borics A, Virágh M, Ficze H, Váradi G, Kele Z, Marx F. Structural determinants of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP) for folding, stability and antifungal activity. Sci Rep. 2017 May 16;7(1):1963. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02234-w. PMID: 28512317; PMCID: PMC5434006. PubMed
5. Virágh M, Marton A, Vizler C, Tóth L, Vágvölgyi C, Marx F, Galgóczy L. Insight into the antifungal mechanism of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein. Protein Cell. 2015 Jul;6(7):518-28. doi: 10.1007/s13238-015-0167-z. Epub 2015 May 22. PMID: 25994413; PMCID: PMC4491047. PubMed

Education / Trainings:

2019 – 2020: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) – MSc Biology teacher
2013 – 2018: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD (Microbiology)
2011 – 2013: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) – MSc Biologist (molecular, immune and microbiology)
2007 – 2011: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) – BSc Biology (Cell and molecular biology)

Positions:

2020 – present: Postdoctoral fellow (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Biotechnology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2018: Research associate (HAS Biological Research Centre, Institute of Plant Biology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job
2017: Research assistant (University of Szeged, FSCI, Dept. of Microbiology; Szeged, Hungary) – temporary job

Teaching activities:

Practical courses in Microbiology;
Supervising BSc, MSc students

Professional Memberships:

2020: Hungarian Society for Micology (member)
2014: Hungarian Society for Microbiology (member)

Grants / Scholarships:

2020 – 2023: OTKA Postdoctoral Excellence Programme (Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office)
2019: FEMS Young Scientist Meeting Grant
2018: FEMS Young Scientist Meeting Grant
2018: Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities, “Fellowship for the Young National Excellences” 2013: Lóránd Eötvös Student Scholarship

Awards and honours:

2018: Hungarian Society for Microbiology, article competition for young scientist, I. place

Selected publications:

1. Kovács R, Nagy F, Tóth Z, Forgács L, Tóth L, Váradi G, Tóth GK, Vadászi K, Borman AM, Majoros L, Galgóczy L. The Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2): A new potential weapon against multidrug-resistant Candida auris biofilms. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 14;22(2):771. doi: 10.3390/ijms22020771. PMID: 33466640; PMCID: PMC7828714. PubMed
2. Tóth L, Váradi G, Boros É, Borics A, Ficze H, Nagy I, Tóth GK, Rákhely G, Marx F, Galgóczy L. Biofungicidal potential of Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal protein NFAP and novel synthetic γ-core peptides. Front Microbiol. 2020 May 13;11:820. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00820. PMID: 32477291; PMCID: PMC7237641. PubMed
3. Tóth L, Boros É, Poór P, Ördög A, Kele Z, Váradi G, Holzknecht J, Bratschun-Khan D, Nagy I, Tóth GK, Rákhely G, Marx F, Galgóczy L. The potential use of the Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein PAF, the designed variant PAFopt and its γ-core peptide Pγopt in plant protection. Microb Biotechnol. 2020 Sep;13(5):1403-1414. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.13559. Epub 2020 Mar 24. PMID: 32207883; PMCID: PMC7415367. PubMed
4. Kovács R, Holzknecht J, Hargitai Z, Papp C, Farkas A, Borics A, Tóth L, Váradi G, Tóth GK, Kovács I, Dubrac S, Majoros L, Marx F, Galgóczy L. In vivo applicability of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2) in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2019 Jan 29;63(2):e01777-18. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01777-18. PMID: 30478163; PMCID: PMC6355578. PubMed
5. Tóth L, Váradi G, Borics A, Batta G, Kele Z, Vendrinszky Á, Tóth R, Ficze H, Tóth GK, Vágvölgyi C, Marx F, Galgóczy L. Anti-candidal activity and functional mapping of recombinant and synthetic Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2 (NFAP2). Front Microbiol. 2018;9:393. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00393. PMID: 32477291; PMCID: PMC7237641. PubMed
6. Tóth L, Kele Z, Borics A, Nagy LG, Váradi G, Virágh M, Takó M, Vágvölgyi C, Galgóczy L. NFAP2, a novel cysteine-rich anti-yeast protein from Neosartorya fischeri NRRL 181: isolation and characterization. AMB Express. 2016;6:75. doi: 10.1186/s13568-016-0250-8. PMID: 27637945; PMCID: PMC5025423. PubMed

Education / Trainings:

2016 - 2021: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD (Biotechnology)
2014 - 2016: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) – Biology MSc (molecular, immune and microbiology)
2010 - 2014: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) – Biology BSc
2006 - 2010: Bolyai János High School (Kecskemét, Hungary)

Positions:

2021 - present: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Biotechnology (Szeged, Hungary) - Research Associate

Teaching activities:

Practical courses in Biotechnology (in Hungarian and English);
Supervising BSc, MSc students

Professional Memberships:

2021: Hungarian Society for Microbiology (member)

Short introduction:

Kinga Dán finished her high school studies in 2016, in Nagy Mózes High School (Kézdivásárhely, Romania).

She was studying biology and pedagogy at Babes-Bolyai University from 2016 to 2019. After that she got admitted to the University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Biology MSc. During her MSc studies she investigated the EVH1 domain of PP4 phosphatase.

After finishing the Biology MSc, she started the PhD studies at the Faculty of Science and Informatics, Institute of Biology, Deparment of Biotechnology.

Education / Trainings:

2021 - present: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD (Biotechnology)
2019 - 2021: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) –Biology MSc (molecular, immune and microbiology)
2016 - 2019: Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology (Kolozsvár, Romania) – Biology BSc
2012 - 2016: Nagy Mózes High School

Education / Trainings:

2022 - present: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD (Biotechnology)
2013 - 2016: SHARDA University Greater Noida (India) - Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology
2008 - 2012: University of Rwanda (Rwanda) - Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Microbiology
2004 - 2006: SOPEM Secondary School Rwanda (Rwanda)- Biology-Chemistry Option

2021: Attended Virtual event on Laboratory animal sciences and obtained certificate.
2020: Attended Forensics middle East & Africa 2020 virtual event and obtained certificate.
2019: Attended 3rd QIAGEN Regional Investigator Forum Conference in South Africa regarding lab automation practical hints and obtained certificate.
Attended three months training programme on DNA Forensic organised by Gujarat Forensic Sciences University and Rwanda Forensic Laboratory and obtained certificate.
Attended training and obtained certificate in Emergency preparedness for first responders managing the dead organized by international committee of the red cross (ICRC), Rwanda.
2018: Participated in first international conference at Ines-Ruhengeri and obtained certificate in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Participated in Curriculum review at Ines-Ruhengeri, department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
2017 - 2018: Supervisor and assessor of final year research projects of undergraduate students in the field of microbiology during my lecturing services at INES-Ruhengeri
2017: Obtained Medical License from Rwanda Allied Health Professional council (RAHPC)
2016: Attended Conference and obtained certificate in” Infection control Challenges “a prerequisite for NABH accreditation in India, at Subharti Medical college.
Attended five days training on Disposal waste management and treatment at Rama Medical College, Hapur, UP, India.
2015: Attended workshop and obtained the certificate in Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy accredited by the World Organization Gestosis.
2014: Attended workshop and obtained the certificate in Disease control and prevention at Sharda University.
2012: Did 6 months internship in Laboratory of Masaka hospital Kicukiro.
2011: Did research work entitled bacteriological study on gingivitis at Microbiology Central Laboratory of King faisal hospital towards the end of Bachelor’s Degree.

Positions:

2018 - 2021: Microbiologist at Rwanda Forensic Laboratory
2017 - 2018: Assistant lecturer at Ines-Ruhengeri University as well as Laboratory Supervisor.
2016 - 2017: Per timing Assistant Lecturer at Gitwe University
2015: Laboratory demonstrator and Tutorial assistant during Medical student’s lab work study at Sharda University
2011 - 2013: Biology and Chemistry Teacher at Star secondary school as well as Laboratory technician

Short introduction:

Rebeka Papp has been studying at the University of Szeged since 2018.

Education / Trainings:

2023 - present: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology (Szeged, Hungary) – PhD
2021 - 2023: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) - Biology MSc
2018 - 2021: University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary) - Biology BSc
2013 - 2018: Szent Margit Grammar School

Short introduction:

Richárd Merber Had been studying biology at the University of Szeged since 2018. During his bachelors and masters programs he was a thesis worker at the Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and examined killer toxin producing yeast strains and the toxins' effects on human pathogenic and food spoilage yeasts. After finishing the masters program, he started his PhD studies at the University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology at the Department of Biotechnology.

Education / Trainings:

2023 - present: PhD student - University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Doctoral School of Biology, Department of Biotechnology (Szeged, Hungary)
2021 - 2023: Biology MSc (molecular-, immune and microbiology) - University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary)
2018 - 2021: Biology BSc - University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics (Szeged, Hungary)
2014 - 2018: Boronkay György Engineering Technical School and High School (Vác, Hungary)

Scholarships:

2022: National Higher Education Scholarship

Positions:

2019 - 2023: Mentor at The National Union of Students in Hungary (HÖOK)
2021: Demonstrator at the Department of Microbiology, Microbiology laboratory practice for bachelor students.

Education / Trainings:

Education / Trainings: