A major milestone has been reached for the future of the renewed HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network, as the competent body of the European Commission has enabled HUN-REN research institutes to begin the necessary administrative procedures, ensuring the continuity of their participation in EU funding programmes, the network said in a statement on Monday.
According to HUN-REN, the step achieved through joint efforts and successful consultations with the Hungarian government guarantees that the Hungarian research community can continue to take part in EU calls without disruption, contributing to research excellence and competitiveness in both Hungary and the European Union.
The statement recalled that HUN-REN has received official notification from the European Commission that, in recognition of its legal transformation, the newly established HUN-REN research institutes as independent legal entities are eligible to apply for the Participant Identification Codes (PIC) required for EU research and innovation programmes.
Following lengthy consultations by HUN-REN’s leadership and in light of the Commission’s clear response, the research network expressed hope that the Commission will act as a partner in swiftly concluding the administrative process.
HUN-REN and its 15 research institutes initiated the modification of their legal identifiers and confirmation of their eligibility for EU calls with the European Commission’s Central Validation Service after the legal transformation that took effect in October 2025, as stipulated by the HUN-REN law.
Although the Commission’s decision took longer than expected, intensive consultations led to a definitive outcome: HUN-REN research institutes operating under the new legal framework are entitled to obtain the required PIC numbers and may begin the application process.
HUN-REN’s leadership has called on its institutes to register for the new PIC numbers as soon as possible, pledging to provide all necessary professional assistance and support.
According to the Commission’s assurances, the solution guarantees that ongoing projects can continue smoothly and that institutes will be able to participate in new EU calls. The official guidance also outlines the technical steps of the process and confirms institutional support throughout the transition.
HUN-REN emphasized that in recent weeks its primary objective was to reach an agreement with the European Commission to safeguard ongoing EU-funded research, enable participation in new programmes, and address uncertainties within the Hungarian research community.
The government acted as a key partner in this process, remaining committed to HUN-REN’s transformation, its full institutional autonomy, and the long-term, sustainable financing of its research activities, while also contributing significantly to consultations with Brussels related to EU funding participation.
HUN-REN expressed confidence that the Commission will approve the new independent PIC identifiers for its institutes promptly, in line with standard validation procedures. This approach is fully consistent with Hungarian legislation, respects the legal autonomy of research institutes, and provides a predictable and legally secure framework for long-term participation in the EU research system.
The research network added that in the coming period it will focus on ensuring a smooth transition. HUN-REN described itself as the flagship of Hungary’s scientific ecosystem, bringing together excellent and committed researchers dedicated to strengthening scientific output and excellence.
HUN-REN’s strategic objective is to improve research efficiency and support European and international cooperation, thereby enhancing European competitiveness while increasing the network’s global visibility and recognition. Its long-term goal is to operate an open, modern and globally integrated Hungarian research network that actively contributes to scientific and innovation goals and harnesses the potential of artificial intelligence at every level of research.
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