György Jenei Memorial Conference

Date: 14 June 2024 10:00-12:00 

Location: Corvinus Faculty Club 

Professor Jenei, formerly the Head of the Department of Public Policy (formerly: Public Affairs, then Public Policy and Management) leaves behind a legacy of profound scholarship and unwavering dedication to his field. He was a respected figure in Public Policy and Management and a beloved member of the Hungarian academic community. Professor Jenei’s contributions were not only academic; his keen insights into Hungary’s historical context in Europe and his nuanced political visions, filled with both hope and occasional disappointment, profoundly influenced his students and peers.  

Prof. Jenei’s unique, acerbic wisdom, based on a deep and diverse life experience, has not only helped him to better navigate the world, but has also served as a meaningful guide for generations of colleagues. His dedication to Europe and his leadership in Hungarian academia were unmistakable, marked by true generosity and willingness to help his young peers shine. 

To commemorate Professor Jenei and his legacy we schedule a celebration of life, through reflections on his impactful career, scholarly contributions and the personal memories that shaped the lives of many in Hungary and beyond. We welcome you to participate in this gathering to celebrate Professor Jenei’s enduring influence on academic scholarship and personal lives alike. 

Preliminary Programme 

10:00 – 12:00 

Welcome and introduction by prof. György Hajnal, Head of Department, Department of Public Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest 

• Development of Public Policy education and research in Hungary and in Central and Eastern Europe by prof. György Hajnal, Head of Department, Department of Public Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest 
• Converging on Public Affairs research and education: 30 years of the Leuven-Budapest collaboration (online commemoration by prof. em. dr. Geert Bouckaert, KU Leuven Public Governance Institute) 
• “György Jenei – Academic and Political Memories”?  (online commemoration by Prof. Wolfgang Drechsler, Ragnar Nurkse Department, Taltech University, Tallinn, Estonia)  
• Commemoration by Ludmila Gajdosova (NISPAcee executive director) 
• Max Weber through the lens of Professor Jenei (prof. György Gajduschek, Department of Public Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest) 
• Announcement of the “Jenei György Best Thesis Award”   
• Memorial Tributes: Recitations of personal memories by past students and colleagues from both domestic and international backgrounds. We invite you to share your stories and reflections on how Professor Jenei touched your life. 

12:00 Reception 

An informal gathering and small reception to foster fellowship among attendees, encouraging continued conversations and shared memories of Professor Jenei. The final programme will be published on the Department’s website on 5 June. 

We hope you can join us in person or online in this heartfelt tribute to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Professor Jenei.  

Please RSVP by 30 May on this LINK  

Contact: Edit Waffenschmidt, email: edit.waffenschmidt@uni-corvinus.hu