Draft:HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network

HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network

The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) is an independent public budgetary institution in Hungary. Established by Parliament and effective from August 1, 2019, HUN-REN aims to manage and operate the publicly funded independent research network in Hungary, serving as a central pillar of the country’s scientific domain.

Governance

HUN-REN is governed by an independent Governing Board, primarily consisting of academicians, including a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. This governance structure ensures the effective operation of the research infrastructure while safeguarding academic freedom.

Role and Integration

HUN-REN plays a crucial role within the Hungarian Research & Innovation (R&I) ecosystem. It collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and private companies active in R&I, such as pharmaceutical and IT firms.

Objectives and Activities

HUN-REN focuses on the recruitment and retention of researchers, contributing to the international reputation of Hungary’s scientific community. It supports the careers and mobility of researchers, encourages collaboration, and aims for international excellence in research and innovation.

Key Objectives

Restoring Hungary’s Global Scientific Position: Enhancing international prestige and competitiveness.

Building the Value Chain: Maximizing the intellectual, societal, and economic impacts of scientific research.

Promoting Scientific Excellence: Encouraging high-quality research results and their practical applications.

Developing Strategic Research Programs: Maintaining competitiveness in global science.

Strengthening Education and Research Synergies: Integrating latest research into university education.

Encouraging Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Solving complex research problems through collaboration.

Efficient Resource Allocation: Maximizing research impact through transparent funding systems.

Fostering International Partnerships: Enhancing recognition and opportunities through global collaborations.

HUN-REN Headquarters

The operational management of HUN-REN is conducted by its Headquarters, which aims to build a dynamic, collaborative, impactful, and effective research network. The Headquarters focuses on resource allocation, providing state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and supporting continuous professional development.

Leadership

President: Balázs Gulyás

Balázs Gulyás, appointed President of HUN-REN on May 1, 2023, has an extensive background in neuroscience and academic leadership. He has held significant positions at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. His research interests include molecular neuroimaging, neurological and psychiatric diseases, and cognitive neuroscience.

Chief Executive Officer: Roland Jakab

Roland Jakab began his career with Ericsson Hungary Ltd. and has held numerous leadership positions, including Managing Director of Ericsson Hungary and Head of Strategy for Central Europe. He has been instrumental in introducing technological innovations and strengthening university-industry links. Jakab holds several leadership roles in professional organizations related to artificial intelligence, business councils, and science policy.

Vision and Mission

Vision HUN-REN envisions Hungary being among the top 25 innovators in the world by 2030. This vision involves improving innovation capabilities and infrastructure, strengthening international cooperation, and adopting best practices in Hungarian science.

Mission HUN-REN’s mission is to operate a transparent, efficient, and effective publicly funded research network. It aims to achieve research excellence, address strategic and global sustainability issues, and foster collaboration within the R&D ecosystem. HUN-REN emphasizes the social responsibility of science, viewing it as a public good essential for human progress.

Scientific Scope and Structure

HUN-REN’s scientific activities cover a wide range of fields across the humanities, life sciences, and natural sciences. It focuses on five strategic research areas in line with European Union priorities:

Environment & Safety: Including climate change, ecology, agriculture, and food safety.

Energy: Covering material structure, energy research, space research, and nanotechnology.

Health: Encompassing pharmaceutical research, molecular biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and psychology.

Human Resources: Including society, economy, history, archaeology, humanities, and language studies.

Digitalisation: Focusing on mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, IT, quantum technology, and automation.

Research Network

HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network consists of:

19 Research Institutions (11 independent Research Centres + 7 Research Institutes + 1 Office for Supported Research Groups)

42 Research Institutes affiliated with the 11 Research Centres

116 Research Groups affiliated with Universities or Public Institutions

This extensive network supports HUN-REN’s commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in Hungary.

HUN-REN Research Institutes

HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research (HUN-REN ATOMKI)

Founded in Debrecen in 1954, the HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research (ATOMKI) has been a pivotal institution in Hungarian scientific research. Under the leadership of its founding director, Sándor Szalay, ATOMKI has fostered interdisciplinary research spanning nuclear, atomic, [[particle]], vacuum, surface, and quantum physics. The institute has also delved into radiochemistry, medical imaging, space research, hydrological research, environmental science, and heritage science. Notably, ATOMKI boasts the highest number of particle accelerators in Hungary.

HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute (HUN-REN VMRI)

The HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute (VMRI) is Hungary's premier research facility dedicated to veterinary science. It plays a crucial role in molecular microbiology, focusing on pathogens relevant to veterinary medicine. VMRI is instrumental in developing diagnostic methods, vaccines, and defense strategies against diseases. The institute also contributes significantly to higher education and postgraduate training in veterinary and life sciences.

HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute (HUN-REN BLRI)

Located in Tihany, the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute (BLRI) is Hungary's oldest biological research institute. BLRI's primary focus is on freshwater research, particularly the biota of Lake Balaton and its catchment area. The institute conducts research on environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting these ecosystems, supporting the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and contributing to sustainable development in the Carpathian Basin.

HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (HUN-REN EPSS)

The HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (EPSS) conducts geodetic and geophysical research to understand the Earth's physical state and processes. It operates the national seismological network and engages in international collaborations. EPSS also explores natural resources, studies natural hazards, and develops technologies in space geodesy and radar interferometry for geodynamic purposes.

HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine (HUN-REN IEM)

The HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine (IEM) focuses on neuroscience, aiming to advance understanding of the brain and treat neurological diseases. IEM's 20 research groups cover various neuroscience disciplines, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and methods. The institute supports diverse research profiles, contributing significantly to medical diagnostics and brain research.

HUN-REN Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics (HUN-REN Rényi Institute)

Established in 1950 and named after its first director, Alfréd Rényi, the HUN-REN Rényi Institute is a leading mathematical research institution. Awarded the title of EU Centre of Excellence in 2001, the institute conducts research in various mathematical fields, including theoretical studies and applications in other sciences and social practice. It also manages the National Mathematical Library.

HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (HUN-REN SZTAKI)

The HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) is Hungary's largest research institute in information science. It serves as a national research base for IT, computer science, and related fields. SZTAKI focuses on technical-scientific and mathematical aspects of IT, engaging in R&D, system design, consulting, and software development.

Research Centres

HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research (HUN-REN CAR)

Founded in 2012, the HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research (CAR) conducts research across agricultural science, environmental management, and protection. CAR's comprehensive program includes basic and applied research, development, and innovation activities. The centre collaborates extensively with higher education institutions and research institutes and is active in science communication through the "Agroverzum" centre.

HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities (HUN-REN RCH)

The HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities (RCH) undertakes internationally recognized research in fields such as archaeogenomics, philosophy, classical philology, literary studies, art history, ethnography, archaeology, history, and musicology. RCH aims to explore and preserve Hungarian cultural heritage, strengthen national identity, and engage in international discourse.

HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (HUN-REN CSFK)

The HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (CSFK) focuses on basic research in astronomy and Earth sciences. It conducts exploratory research, publishes results, and maintains observatories. The Svábhegy Observatory, opened in 2019, features Hungary's largest historic telescope and offers public lectures and sky observations.

HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (HUN-REN EK-CER)

HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (EK-CER) conducts international scientific research in materials science, nuclear safety, and renewable energy. Its research includes reactor diagnostics, radiation protection, nuclear fusion, space weather, and environmental protection. The Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC) is a key facility for neutron research.

HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies (HUN-REN CERS)

The HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies (CERS) is a leading institution for economic and regional research in Hungary. CERS coordinates research in economics, the world economy, spatial processes, and social sciences, contributing to theoretical and empirical knowledge.

HUN-REN Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics (HUN-REN NYTK)

The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics (NYTK) conducts research in all areas of Hungarian linguistics and general, experimental, and applied linguistics. NYTK's core activities include language theory, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and language technology, supporting the development of comprehensive Hungarian dictionaries and linguistic research.

HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HUN-REN CER)

The HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (CER) conducts high-level research on biodiversity and ecosystems, focusing on freshwater and terrestrial habitats. CER's research addresses the impact of agriculture and forestry on biodiversity, traditional ecological knowledge, and emerging infectious diseases, promoting sustainable development and ecological conservation.

HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged (HUN-REN BRC Szeged)

The HUN-REN Biological Research Centre in Szeged (BRC Szeged) is a leading life science research facility. It comprises institutes of Biophysics, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Plant Biology, with research topics ranging from molecular biology to environmental protection. BRC Szeged is recognized internationally, contributing to education and biotech innovations.

HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences (HUN-REN CSS)

The HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences (CSS) conducts basic research in political science, sociology, minority studies, and legal studies. CSS aims to achieve scientific discoveries, analyze social phenomena, and contribute to societal understanding. It hosts the European Social Survey in Hungary and provides open access research databases and journals.

HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences (HUN-REN RCNS)

The HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences (RCNS) engages in multidisciplinary research in organic chemistry, materials and environmental chemistry, protein research, cancer research, pharmaceutical research, and cognitive neuroscience. RCNS focuses on developing solutions for environmental damage reduction and sustainable economic processes.

HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics (HUN-REN Wigner RCP)

The HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Wigner RCP) conducts exploratory research in various fields of physics, coordinating Hungarian efforts in international projects. Its research spans particle physics, nuclear physics, space physics, solid-state physics, quantum technology, and computational sciences. The Wigner Datacenter, established in 2013, is a world-class facility for computational research.

HUN-REN Office for Supported Research Groups

The HUN-REN Office for Supported Research Groups manages 116 independent research groups operating at universities and public institutions. These groups receive support for diverse research fields, contributing significantly to Hungarian scientific output and addressing practical issues in natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

References

HUN-REN; ; EARTO member; AmCham; Roland Jakab Takes the Helm at HUN-REN Research Network; New Leader Appointed at the Helm of Eötvös Lóránd Research Network