Medical and Preclinical Imaging Node Hungary involved in local outreach

Raising awareness with the general public of imaging technologies and the important research they support is an important mission for Euro-BioImaging Nodes. From July 16-19, 2025, staff from our Medical and Preclinical Imaging Node Hungary participated in  the Campus Festival, one of Hungary’s largest music and cultural events. This festival provides a vibrant, informal setting in which science and society can meet. Indeed, this year’s event was the ideal platform to raise awareness of radiopharmaceuticals and advanced imaging technologies to the local community. We spoke to Viktória Arató, Node manager, to learn more.

The University of Debrecen plays a central role in the Campus Festival’s daytime programming, through its dedicated venue at the University Square (Egyetem tér). Here, the university’s research and education is showcased through playful, accessible formats. 

This zone is consistently the most visited non-musical area of the event, drawing thousands of attendees of all ages—from high school students to families and seniors, including a growing number of international guests, especially university students studying in Hungary.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hZLAploLdAs?feature=shared 

Bringing medical imaging technologies to the general public

“In 2024, our Nuclear Medicine Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Radiology, represented the university’s clinical imaging services at Egyetem tér,” explains Viktória. “This joint participation helped bring medical imaging technologies closer to the general public, offering firsthand insight into how imaging contributes to diagnostics and modern healthcare.” 

The overwhelmingly positive public response demonstrated a strong interest in the science behind patient care and reinforced the value of interactive scientific outreach.

“Building on that success, the 2025 event was driven by us, the Debrecen Node of Euro-BioImaging, with the aim of presenting nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceutical research and production, and molecular imaging in an engaging and accessible way,” says Viktória.

'Imaging the Invisible'

The theme was “Imaging the Invisible,” focusing on how radiopharmaceuticals and advanced imaging technologies allow us to visualize physiological processes inside the human body—beyond what is visible to the naked eye. These technologies are essential in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and in broader biomedical research.

The Medical and Preclinical Imaging Hungary Node provides open access to cutting-edge PET imaging technologies and radiopharmaceutical development platforms, as part of a European infrastructure supporting cross-border collaboration, innovation, and open science. Their participation in the festival also highlighted how Euro-BioImaging connects researchers, clinicians, and citizens across Europe, promoting transnational scientific progress and public trust in imaging-based healthcare.

In addition to the general public, Campus Festival is increasingly recognized as a meeting ground for potential industry partners, including pharmaceutical companies and medical technology stakeholders, who often participate with their own booths. The event offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness of nuclear medicine innovations and foster new connections between academia and industry.

Interactive event

The scientific event coordinated by our Node consisted of several interactive components:

• Science communication booths featuring visual displays, posters, PET/CT images, and molecular imaging case studies
• Hands-on activities and games illustrating the principles of tracer kinetics and nuclear imaging in a playful, intuitive format.
• Live Q&A sessions and mini-talks with researchers, radiographers, and radiochemists from our Node, giving visitors the chance to learn directly from experts and ask questions about imaging technologies and career paths.
• Digital demonstrations and video screenings, introducing PET/CT imaging, radiopharmaceutical production, and the broader Euro-BioImaging network, including the Debrecen Node’s specialized services.
• Infographics and personal researcher stories, designed to humanize science and highlight the people and partnerships behind the technology.

Combining science and culture - fun for all

This year’s festival welcomed a record number of visitors (over 121,000), with both top Hungarian acts and international performers such as John Newman, Jason Derulo, and The Chainsmokers. Bringing the scientific aspect to this event is an excellent initiative that surely raised awareness of imaging and the importance of international collaboration. 

Children enjoyed the scientific activities that were prepared for them. Photo by the University of Debrecen (source: https://hirek.unideb.hu/iden-nepszeru-fesztivalhelyszin-volt-az-egyetem-ter).

A selection of Euro-BioImaging goodies to raise awareness about imaging and international collaboration in science. Photo by Viktória Arató.