Human-animal relations, sustainability, and the limits of AI discussed at the University of Debrecen
The limits of artificial intelligence, a sustainable future, and new dimensions of human-animal relationships were among the key topics discussed on October 6 and 7 at the Faculty of Child Education and Special Education of the University of Debrecen. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this year’s International Anthrozoology Conference hosted 71 foreign and Hungarian presenters across 14 sessions, sharing their latest research findings spanning nearly every branch of the social and natural sciences.
In an era of accelerating technological advancement and artificial intelligence, the key to a sustainable future lies not in the unlimited increase of machine efficiency, but in the preservation of human, animal, and natural values. Trend researcher Árpád Rab opened the 5th International Anthrozoology Conference online at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Child Education and Special Education (DE GYGYK) with this thought-provoking introduction.
Futures studies played a prominent role among the conference’s central topics, particularly addressing whether current high levels of companion animal ownership—such as the number of dogs in the European Union growing by millions annually—are sustainable in the long term in light of ecological footprints and energy consumption.
“Technology itself is merely a mirror and a tool; it possesses neither ethics nor genuine feelings. The competitiveness of the future and sustainability will not be secured by the unlimited dominance of machines, but by the empathy, patience, and respect for life that can be learned from animals,” the expert pointed out in his online presentation. He added that the scientific examination of human-animal relationships fits seamlessly into this global ecosystem perspective, which unfolded through international collaboration at the University of Debrecen’s two-day conference this year.
The event held in Hajdúböszörmény achieved great success this year: a total of 71 speakers presented their latest research findings either in person or online—from Australia, India, China, and European countries all the way to the Americas—firmly establishing the conference in the international anthrozoological sphere.
“It is a particular pleasure that the Faculty of Child Education and Special Education hosts this prestigious conference, as the presence of animals has become part of our daily lives as an animal-friendly institution. We are creating a transdisciplinary dialogue here that provides a novel perspective for future educators as well,” highlighted Vice Dean Gábor Biczó in his opening speech.
The Hajdúböszörmény campus of the University of Debrecen leads the way in this field not only as a host, but also in education and research. The institution’s faculty and students embody an animal-friendly mindset in their daily routines; operating as a dog-friendly faculty, they demonstrate the feasibility of safe and harmonious coexistence. Their students also study animal-assisted pedagogy, which is proven to aid in the development of today’s children, as the presence of animals attracts intense focus and supports communication among people through the understanding of other living beings.
“The study of human-animal relationships encompasses a globally significant set of issues, as evidenced by the conference’s international lineup. Our goal is to make responsible pet ownership a self-evident societal standard through education from an early age, rather than through legislative regulation,” emphasized event organizer Antal Lovas Kiss.
The associate professor at DE GYGYK noted that alongside practical work, the faculty demonstrates impressive achievements in scientific research: over recent years, its anthropological research group has built a nationally unique database covering 30,000 dog owners.
(unideb.hu)