We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, Tibor Frank, historian, Anglicist-Americanist, and dedicated member of the Hungarian Atlantic Council (MAT).
Born in Budapest in 1948, Tibor Frank began his teaching career at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in 1971. In 1973, at the then Department of English Language and Literature, he introduced a history specialization based on English-language British and American literature. Between 1992 and 1994, he headed the Department of American Studies and in 1994 became the founding director of the newly established Institute of English and American Studies at ELTE, which he led until 2001 and again between 2006 and 2014. He was appointed full professor in 1997.
He earned his Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (DSc) degree in 1998, became a corresponding member in 2013, and was elected a full member in 2019. In 2016, he was awarded ELTE’s Rector’s Special Award for Excellence, recognizing his outstanding contributions to research and teaching. Since 2018, he had continued his academic work as professor emeritus of ELTE’s Institute of English and American Studies. In 2006, he was elected a member of the Royal Historical Society in London.
Tibor Frank primarily taught political and social history. Among his many scholarly contributions, his research on transatlantic migration—particularly the history of Hungarian emigration—stands out. With his passing, Hungarian and international historical scholarship, higher education, philology, Anglistics, American Studies, and progressive thought have suffered an irreplaceable loss.
Tibor Frank was an active member of the Hungarian Atlantic Council, regularly participating in our events and programs. We will preserve his memory with deep respect and gratitude.
