University biographical mosaics – Frigyes Dési, the father of Hungarian meteorology

Frigyes Dési, the meteorologist and university professor was born 110 years ago, on the 11th of January 1912.

Frigyes Dési completed his doctoral studies in mathematics and physics at our university in 1944. During the Second World War he served as a member of the professional staff of the Hungarian Royal Air Force. From 1950 he was appointed as the commander of the National Meteorological Institute, and from 1953 he became its director. In 1970 under his leadership, the Institute was transformed into the National Meteorological Service as known today. The meteorological news and data service was modernized and the Marczell György Observatory was built in Pestlőrinc on his initiative. Thanks to his outstanding work, the National Meteorological Service has been admitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). On the 1st of September 1953 he was appointed as university professor, and became head of the Department of Meteorology until 1970. Frigyes Dési’s name is associated with the development of modern meteorological training. Furthermore, he has organized research in the field of meteorology. In addition to his scientific career, he also served as a member of the Parliament. Frigyes Dési died in 1978.  

The picture shows the certificate of Frigyes Dési’s doctoral degree obtained in 1944. 

 

Source/author of illustration:
ELTE ULA