The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) have entered into a wide-ranging strategic partnership, designed to deepen and elevate their institutional collaboration. According to a joint statement released Thursday, the agreement marks a new chapter for Hungary’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem.
The initiative aims to synchronize efforts in joint research, PhD training programmes, innovation and educational projects, aligning the two institutions’ long-term goals at a systemic level.
‘This is more than a cooperation agreement—it’s a shared belief that science has the power to shape the future,’ said Balázs Gulyás, president of HUN-REN, emphasizing the vision behind the alliance. ‘Our joint objective is to create a research and innovation hub capable of responding to tomorrow’s challenges and offering an inspiring environment for future generations of scientists.’
The partnership will concentrate on breakthrough sectors with both academic and industrial potential. These include energy efficiency and renewables, nuclear technology, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, biotechnology, materials science, and environmental protection.
According to the joint release, collaborative projects in these areas are expected not only to generate significant scientific advancements but also to offer practical applications in the industrial sphere.
Charaf Hassan, Rector of BME, highlighted the agreement’s role in the university’s ongoing renewal strategy. ‘One of our key goals is to strengthen our cooperation with strategic partners. We are intensifying our collaboration with both domestic and international companies, and the HUN-REN research network is one of our most valued allies,’ he said.
He added that the deal opens new doors for BME students and faculty to engage more directly in cutting-edge research. ‘This is especially important for us because it reinforces our PhD programmes and helps ensure the training of the next generation of researchers.’
In addition to Gulyás and Hassan, the agreement was also signed by Roland Jakab, CEO of HUN-REN, and Gergely Zaránd, BME’s Vice-Rector for Science. Jakab emphasized the international benefits of the agreement, noting that coordinated scientific efforts could also improve Hungary’s visibility on the global research stage.
Zaránd echoed this point, stating that enhanced global recognition could help reverse brain drain by attracting top young researchers back to Hungary.
The agreement between HUN-REN and BME represents a concerted effort to unify Hungary’s academic and research excellence in pursuit of long-term scientific progress, technological development, and global competitiveness.
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