PTE3D to Host 2nd International Interdisciplinary 3D Conference in Hungary

At first glance, you might not consider the country of Hungary to be a leading innovative force on the 3D printing front, but the Central European nation has garnered quite the academic reputation when it comes educating their students about this emerging technology. Earlier this year, three of the most successful Hungarian 3D printing companies—FreeDee Printing Solutions, Leopoly, and CraftUnique—partnered up to create the ‘3DTECH in Schools’ program. With this joint venture, the partnering companies plan to put a 3D printer in every local educational institution within the next three years.

The most prestigious of these academic establishments is the University of Pécs, the first-ever Hungarian university, which currently approaching its 650th anniversary. Last year, the university launched PTE3D, a project launched by Professor Miklós Nyitrai to establish a FabLab on campus and also make the Hungary one of the European 3D printing epicenters. With this ambitious project came the 1st International Interdisciplinary 3D Conference, a weekend long event that brought a handful of industry professionals from companies around the world together with the brightest young minds Hungary has to offer.

After the immense success of last year’s conference, the University of Pécs PTE3D team has decided to go ahead with the 2nd International Interdisciplinary 3D Conference, which is poised to become Hungary’s premier 3D visualization and 3D printing event. The conference, which takes place from October 6 to 8 at the Szentágothai Research Centre, will feature exhibitions from prominent industry leaders across the world, including EOS, Stratasys, 3D Systems, and many others.

The conference will include keynotes and workshops on various fields, including medicine, dentistry, bioprinting, architecture, mechanical engineering, and the arts. Prior to the event kick-off, the Materialise Mimics team will host a four-part course on medical image-based engineering. The course will include lessons on segmentation, device design, meshing for computational analysis, and preparing parts for 3D printing.

In order to build up some buzz for the forthcoming conference, PTE3D is currently hosting the 3D Innovation Challenge, a simple contest for any innovator with an disruptive idea about what can be achieved utilizing 3D printing technology. Participants are required to develop and showcase an idea that exhibits the potential of 3D printing processes or 3D visualization. The contest is open to anyone who is an undergraduate student, post-graduate student, or tutor.

If you wish to participate in the 3D Innovation Challenge, draft up a basic one to two-page description of your idea, your utilization strategy, as well as the material requirements on your application. This application must then be sent to application@pte3d.hu by September 23 at noon. Prizes will include various laptops, tablets, and the chance to have your selected idea actualized with the assistance of the University of Pécs. Although you don’t have to attend the 2nd International Interdisciplinary 3D Conference to enter, the final eight entries will be announced during the opening day of the event.

The conference will take place in the midst of a major celebratory time for the school, and is considered a part of the University of Pécs 650th Jubilee program series. According to PTE3D, the program will help the school tender €5.5 million, which will be used to help build a 3D printing and 3D visualization research center. The conference will be hosted by the renowned Dr. László Palkovics, State Minister for Higher Educations, along with other prestigious individuals in Hungarian academia, including Dr. Zsolt Páva (Major of Pécs), Dr. József Bódis (Rector of University of Pécs), Dr. Attila Miseta (Dean of UP Medical School), and Dr. Miklós Nyitrai (Vice Dean for Science, UP Medical School).

The 2nd International Interdisciplinary 3D Conference is completely free to attend, but registration is required. All in all, the upcoming weekend is sure to have something for every Hungarian student and innovator in attendance. From dental 3D printing to artistry and everything else in between, PTE3D’s conference serves as surefire proof that Hungary’s academic sector is quickly transforming into one of the pioneering regions for 3D printing technology. Discuss further in the PTE3D Interdisciplinary Conference forum over at 3DPB.com.