The Automotive Industry Research Centre and the Győr Innovation Park of Széchenyi István University have been awarded the title of "Excellent Research Infrastructure", while the Innovation Park in Zalaegerszeg, as part of the Intelligent Vehicles Research Network, has been awarded the title of "Promising Research Infrastructure Network". This means that three of the research infrastructures certified by the National Research and Innovation Office (NKFIH) are part of the Győr-based institution.

"The newly awarded titles are important proof that our University's infrastructure is outstanding on an international level. This greatly benefits the research carried out by our teachers, researchers and doctoral students. Our strategic goal is to build on our nine faculties and four doctoral schools to further enhance the scientific performance of our Institution in the future," said Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs of the University.

Earlier this year, the NKFIH launched its "National Research Infrastructures 2023-2024" survey. A multi-stage evaluation of the proposals received was carried out under the professional guidance of the National Research Infrastructure Committee and with the involvement of independent external experts. The assessment took into account criteria such as uniqueness, scientific excellence, national strategic importance, national and international links, open access and use, education and training, and the existence of industrial innovation collaborations. 

The Automotive Industry Research Centre of Széchenyi István University has retained its "Excellent Research Infrastructure" title in the field of physical sciences and engineering, which it had already obtained in 2021. The centre is engaged in research and development activities in the future of mobility, including electromobility, machine learning, environmental sensing, vehicle simulation, self-driving vehicle management and intelligent transport systems.

The Automotive Industry Research Centre of Széchenyi István University carries out its valuable research and development activities in the field of mobility (Photo: Csaba József Májer)

The Science and Innovation Park in Győr, opened by the University in 2023, earned the same title as a new applicant. The park serves as a key venue for the institution's scientific, research, development, and innovation ecosystem-building activities, providing space for collaboration between academic communities and businesses. Its primary development focus areas include digitalization, telecommunications, and sustainable energy management.

In the first development phase of the Innovation Park of Széchenyi István University in Győr, the city's iconic cube building has been completely renewed (Photo: András Adorján)

The University's Innovation Park in Zalaegerszeg was awarded the title of "Promising Research Infrastructure Network" as part of the Intelligent Vehicles Research Network. The network was established under the leadership of the Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles Laboratory of the HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI), in cooperation with the Innovation Park of Széchenyi University Zalaegerszeg and the Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. for Applied Research. Its infrastructure supports all phases of intelligent vehicle R&D from modelling to prototype testing.

The Innovation Park of Széchenyi István University in Zalaegerszeg offers an excellent research and development infrastructure next to ZalaZone (Photo: András Adorján)

"Széchenyi István University's innovation activities are supported by its Innovation Parks and Competence Centres - such as the Automotive Industry Research Centre - and the knowledge-utilisation company Uni Inno Zrt., the knowledge-utilisation company of the university, provides the corporate framework for this," said Gábor Dósa, Managing Director of Uni Inno Zrt. “The awards also indicate the strengthening of the University's research and innovation capacity, which has a positive impact on our educational programmes and our international and corporate relations."