Economist Tibor Palánkai, former Rector of Corvinus University, has passed away

Tibor Palánkai (1938–2026) earned his degree in economics in 1960 from Karl Marx University of Economic Sciences, the predecessor of Corvinus University. He joined the university’s academic staff in 1960 and became a full professor in 1982. He served as Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs between 1977 and 1983, Head of the Department of World Economy from 1983 to 1995, and Rector of the university between 1997 and 2000. He was named Professor Emeritus in 2008. 

According to his son, the university was his “third child.” This deep connection was also affirmed by his former colleagues, who noted that the Corvinus community mourns not only a beloved teacher and colleague in him, but a pioneering figure whom many were proud to call their mentor and friend. As a passionate, internationally renowned lecturer and researcher, he deeply believed in European values and was committed to serving Hungary’s European integration efforts, setting an example for every member of the university community. 

As a researcher, he earned his Candidate of Sciences degree in economics in 1973 and his Doctor of Sciences degree in 1986. He was elected a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) in 1995 and a full member in 2004, according to the statement issued by MTA. 

His main fields of expertise were international economic integration, the economies of developed countries, and the economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe. He played a significant role in advancing integration theory, particularly in examining the dynamics of monetary integration. 

His work was recognized with the Academy Award in 1994, the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 1998, and the Széchenyi Prize in 2009. 

His memory will remain with us forever. 

Cover image source: MTA