Judit Bajzáth
Head of Department, Hungarian Natural History Museum
MúzeumCafé 11.
Judit Bajzáth of the Hungarian Natural History Museum tried to dissuade me. She kept on asserting that her life was not so exciting to deserve writing about. Then it turned out she did not like being in the centre of attention. It also emerged that, although she has been awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Republic, a child enjoying an exhibition represents more recognition for her than any award. Judit Bajzáth has worked for the museum almost all her adult life. Following a couple of years when, after graduating, she stayed at the university as an assistant lecturer, she began working for the museum in 1993. She spent two years at the Department of Botany and then became a museum educator, later Head of the Department of Education and Exhibitions. She graduated from ELTE University and she is a Doctor of Earth sciences. Her special field of study involves Quaternary Palaeobotany. Yet today she is a ‘hobby’ scientist. The fusion of her scientific and educational careers has made her what she is really marked out for – a museum educator. All her associations and comments reflect the fact that she has found her vocation in natural scientific museum education. For instance, 2008 was defined by climate change which the Hungarian Natural Science Museum prepared for with an exhibition entitled ‘Ice Age’. Besides the museum being among those most attended internationally, and with respect to other museums in Budapest, it keeps up with similar museums in the world in all respects and is considered the fifth best in Europe. “As compared to the lagging behind, which usually characterises Hungary, we are in a very fortunate position having such professionals, collections and technical background which enable us to be up-to-date internationally.”