Global Academic Honor Places Ungar Among Leading World Scholars

University of Arkansas faculty member Peter Ungar has been recognized with one of the most prestigious international academic honors, placing him among a small group of scholars worldwide.

Ungar, a Distinguished Professor in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been named Doctor et Professor Honoris Causa by Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. The title is bestowed by the university’s senate and is a rare distinction reserved for scholars whose work has shaped their field internationally.

“I was stunned and humbled when I found out that I was nominated for this honor — doubly so when I was selected for it,” said Ungar, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology. “Eötvös Loránd is the top-ranked university in Hungary, and it has served as home to many accomplished paleontologists. It is especially meaningful to me, as I’ve long felt a connection to Hungary and its academic heritage. My grandparents emigrated from the country early in the 20th century.”

Ungar is known for scholarship that bridges disciplines and reaches international audiences. His work has been widely cited and has helped advance understanding in ways that connect academic research to real-world questions.

The honor from Eötvös Loránd University places him among a small group of scholars worldwide whose careers reflect sustained influence across institutions and countries.

“This is an extraordinary honor and one that speaks to the global influence of Peter’s scholarship,” said Brian Raines, dean of Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “His work embodies the kind of research we strive to support at Fulbright College, and this recognition affirms the lasting impact that can grow from a public research university committed to serving as a vital public good.”

Ungar is one of the few U of A faculty members to receive this level of global academic honor. He’s previously been the first U of A scholar elected to major international academies, and this latest honor further reflects his unique standing in global scholarship.

“Peter’s selection for this honor highlights the remarkable depth of scholarship taking place at our university,” said Indrajeet Chaubey, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Peter’s contributions to his field, on both a local and international scale, help us fulfill our land-grant mission and our vision of building a better world.”

The honor underscores the growing international visibility of U of A faculty and the role public research universities play in generating knowledge that resonates far beyond campus.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.