The University of Pécs’s health promotion initiative has reached a new milestone: the “PTE Blue Zone – Healthy University” designation has been granted trademark protection. The program combines physical activity, mindful eating, mental health support, and community building. It is underpinned by a staff survey, health promotion programs, and an approach that can be applied even beyond the university’s walls.
The university announced the trademark registration on August 28. According to information from the University of Pécs, the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office registered the trademark under registration number 250,850, and the protection covers seven classes of goods and services. The institution’s Department of Research Utilization and Technology Transfer coordinated the preparations, which took several months. Areas related to the program include disease prevention, the avoidance of risky behaviors, as well as sustainability and environmental protection.
The registration primarily ensures the legal protection and unambiguous identifiability of the mark. According to the SZTNH’s guidelines, a trademark serves to distinguish the relevant products and services from those offered by others. Accordingly, this latest step strengthens the branding of PTE’s own program; it does not, in and of itself, constitute a certification of medical efficacy or patent protection for the methodology.
The history of the Blue Zone began in 2025. Its name was inspired by the concept of “blue zones,” which are associated with long, healthy lives. This initiative in Pécs applies this concept to everyday university life: how can an institution help its students and staff more easily find opportunities for physical activity, support, and community?
At the outset, József Betlehem mentioned in an interview with the university that numerous best practices were already in place at PTE. These include the Medical School’s YourLife program, mental health services, the PTE for Families initiative, and the university’s sports programs. The Blue Zone brings these together under a common framework and helps ensure that their experiences are put to good use even in those organizational units where there were previously fewer opportunities for similar programs.
They began by consulting with staff members to identify areas for development. In December, the university released a detailed report on the survey conducted in the summer of 2025 among administrative, teaching, and research staff. According to the report, more than a thousand staff members participated in the survey, which was supplemented by in-depth interviews with managers. The responses highlighted a lack of physical activity, stress, and ergonomic issues in the work environment.
There was particularly strong demand for preventive health services: according to the report, more than 90 percent of respondents would take advantage of dermatological, pulmonary, and general screenings. The research also highlighted the importance of supporting mental and social well-being. Based on interviews with managers, it remains difficult to discuss mental health issues in some organizational units, and the fear of stigma can also prevent people from seeking help. The findings thus provide guidance not only for the range of programs offered but also for improving work organization and managerial practices.
One example of these practical opportunities is the free body composition and posture assessment scheduled for May 19–21, 2026. The program, which offered a total of 120 spots for employees, provided participants with feedback on specific body composition characteristics, body proportions, and postural issues. The program promised a personalized, informational assessment as well as lifestyle recommendations. The organizers also made it clear that this health assessment is not a medical examination and is not intended to provide a diagnosis.
The “Become a Food Artist!” series of lectures and workshops brought the topic of mindful eating closer to those interested. Launched as part of the Blue Zone initiative, the program combined food literacy with prevention and sustainability. In the accompanying university podcast, experts discussed nutritional trends, myths surrounding intermittent fasting, and how dietary considerations can be reconciled with household budgets. The choice of topic clearly illustrates the practical focus of the initiative: to provide understandable expert guidance for everyday decisions.
The “Clear Mind – Conscious Future” series of events, announced for June, took a similarly direct approach. The events, offered free of charge to both students and staff, focused on mental health, stress management, self-awareness, and addictions. In addition to the Lélektér community, the program also featured presentations by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The goal of the personal stories and discussions was to help participants learn about options for seeking help and the role of supportive communities in recovery.
Students were also given the opportunity to pursue their own initiatives. The PTE Rector’s Office allocated a budget of 3.5 million forints for the “For a Healthy University” program call for proposals, which was announced for the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Under the call for proposals, student organizations could apply for up to 700,000 forints, while individual applicants could apply for up to 350,000 forints. Eligible activities included sports and health promotion events, educational programs, and the acquisition of sports equipment.
A key element of the call for proposals—for which the application period has already closed—was that it reached out to student communities not typically involved in sports. The evaluation took into account the involvement of various student groups, openness among the university’s faculties, and the expected long-term impact of the initiatives. This allowed students to contribute to creating a healthier university environment through their own programs.
From Baranya’s perspective, it is particularly noteworthy that academic thinking on workplace well-being has already intersected with the business sector. The University of Pécs (PTE) participated as a partner in the conference titled “Workplace Well-being as a Competitive Advantage,” organized by the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers on May 6, 2026, at the Knowledge Center in Pécs. The event focused primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises; the university’s presentation also highlighted the Blue Zone program as the professional foundation for its participation.
Given this connection, the experiences in Pécs may also serve as a lesson for employers in the region. Assessing employee needs, a supportive management approach, and accessible wellness programs are areas that can be considered even in smaller organizations.
The city’s residents will next have the opportunity to learn about the initiative at a larger public event in September. According to the University of Pécs’s program announcement on August 27, on September 19, 2026, the Blue Zone Health Day will once again be held at Széchenyi Square in Pécs in conjunction with the “Run for a Cure!” charity event. The Health Day program is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the group run, jog, and walk starting at 11:00 a.m. The 2.6-kilometer route and the variety of participation options appeal not only to regular exercisers but also to others interested in the event. PTE: September Health Day Program
Pre-registration for the run is open through September 15, and on-site registration will also be available between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the day of the event. A separate online registration portal is available for PTE students and members of the public.
A key issue for the Blue Zone in the coming years will be how to ensure that survey-based programs become a permanent part of learning and work. From the very beginning, the university has indicated that it would like to have a positive impact on the region’s population in the long term. Joint events, accessible professional knowledge, and dialogue with employers can serve as tangible starting points for this.
Sources:
- University of Pécs: The PTE Blue Zone – Healthy University Receives Trademark Registration, August 28, 2026.
- National Intellectual Property Office: Trademarks—Information on the Purpose of Protection.
- University of Pécs: PTE Blue Zone: Feel at Home at the University, September 11, 2025.
- University of Pécs: “A Healthy University Is Not a Luxury, but a Necessity,” December 19, 2025.
- University of Pécs Sports: Free body composition and posture screenings for PTE employees—program overview for May 19–21, 2026.
- University of Pécs: Nutrition Trends – Become a Food Artist, Too!, April 14, 2026.
- University of Pécs: Mental Health, Addictions, Self-Awareness, Supportive Community – June Event Calendar, June 4, 2026
- University of Pécs Student Government: For a Healthy University – Student Program Call for Proposals 2025/26-2, January 12, 2026
- University of Pécs: Well-being as the Foundation of Efficiency, May 7, 2026
- University of Pécs: Run for a Cure!, August 27, 2026
