In the spring of 2024, Széchenyi István University in Győr and the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to promote joint educational, research, and innovation activities within international networks. On December 13, discussions were held between Dr Bálint Filep, President of the University, Prof Dr. Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs, Kelemen Sárai-Szabó, a board member of the Széchenyi István University Foundation, and Péter Németh, Head of HUN-REN University Centre for International Excellence Network for Universities, along with Dr Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN, Ádám Kiss, President of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office, Roland Jakab, CEO of HUN-REN, and Krisztina Imrik, Scientific Secretary of HUN-REN. They reviewed past achievements and explored future opportunities for collaboration. They emphasized the success of the partnership, evidenced by the implementation of two international consortium projects in collaboration with prestigious foreign universities and research institutions.

Széchenyi István University, a leader in cutting-edge research and technological development for shaping the future and advancing sustainability, signed the agreement this spring with the HUN-REN Centre, responsible for overseeing and managing the independent research network. The collaboration extends to the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and the HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science. The University also continues its research partnerships with the HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI).

This strategic partnership supports Hungary’s scientific progress, enhances the University’s global visibility, and improves its rankings in international higher education listings. The shared goal is to create significant international networks that are mutually beneficial for all participants in education, research, and innovation. This partnership offers young researchers—including PhD students, assistant lecturers, and associate professors—the opportunity to engage in international projects and publish their findings in prestigious scientific journals.

Participants of the meeting

The first milestone of the collaboration consists of two international research, development, and innovation projects. One project, under the HU-RIZONT funding scheme, focuses on renewable energy and is being implemented in collaboration with universities and research centres in the United States and Germany. The other project aims to create a universal digital platform for designing complex, value-creating networks in the field of digitalization. This research, funded by the Széchenyi István University Foundation, involves ten international research institutes and universities.

Széchenyi István University is further supporting the collaboration by extending its Scientific Scholarship to employees of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network from next September. This will apply when publications are created within an international research network and involve at least one international partner introduced by HUN-REN. Additionally, the University is establishing an Innovation Scholarship to support intellectual property utilization, patents, and utility model protections, from which HUN-REN researchers can also benefit.

To enhance the partnership, Széchenyi István University has established a new organizational unit, the HUN-REN University Centre for International Excellence Network for Universities. This unit is responsible for aligning the collaboration with the institution’s educational, scientific, and innovation strategies. The parties agreed to continue their collaboration, with a focus on the University's strategic research areas, including sustainability, mobility, artificial intelligence, and health technologies.

“For the renewed HUN-REN, increasing the number of high-quality collaborations is crucial for conducting effective, results-oriented research. Széchenyi István University is an exceptional partner, and our growing cooperation is a prime example of how we can comprehensively support scientific, research, and innovation goals by prioritizing mutual benefits,” stated Dr Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN.

“Our University, which places significant emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge technologies, highly values its close partnership with HUN-REN. This collaboration significantly contributes to the production of scientific publications within international research networks and strengthens the research and development activities and brand of our institution,” emphasized Dr. Bálint Filep, President of Széchenyi István University.