Hungary has taken a significant step towards strengthening its research and innovation sector with the inauguration of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network’s new headquarters. President Tamás Sulyok, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized that supporting Hungarian scientists is a national strategic priority, ensuring they remain in the country and contribute to global scientific advancements.
At the event, President Sulyok symbolically handed over the keys of the new headquarters to President of the HUN-REN Research Network Balázs Gulyás. In his speech, Sulyok underlined the importance of research in addressing modern challenges, reinforcing Hungary’s scientific excellence on the world stage. He highlighted that researchers within the HUN-REN network are engaged in applied science, tackling essential contemporary issues. He noted that while scientific discoveries involve uncertainty, the key to success is a commitment to benefiting Hungary, which in turn strengthens resources and opportunities.
Balázs Gulyás reaffirmed the network’s dedication to fostering close collaboration between universities, the state, and the private sector. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to translate discoveries into practical solutions, accelerating scientific breakthroughs and developing sustainable, innovative technologies that serve both Hungary and humanity.
Gulyás expressed his conviction that the establishment of the new headquarters is not only a milestone for HUN-REN but also for Hungarian science as a whole. The headquarters embodies the organization’s role in supporting research and coordinating the national research network. It symbolizes Hungary’s commitment to scientific progress and its future.
He further emphasized that the new facility would serve as the gravitational centre of Hungary’s research ecosystem, attracting the best Hungarian and international scientists. He pointed out that global challenges—such as healthcare advancements, regenerative development, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence—cannot be tackled in isolation, highlighting the necessity of a well-connected research environment.
Deputy State Secretary for Innovation László Bódis stressed the importance of strengthening Hungary’s research network. He outlined three key pillars of HUN-REN’s renewal: a more flexible operational framework enabled by recent legislation; increased performance-based funding to enhance research output; and improved infrastructure, exemplified by the new headquarters.
Bódis underscored the vital role of innovation in maintaining Hungary’s economic competitiveness. He noted that Hungary’s long-term ambition is to rank among Europe’s most innovative nations by 2030 and among the world’s top ten by 2040.
Hungary has already made significant progress, with the number of researchers doubling and financial investment in research tripling over the past decade. The newly inaugurated HUN-REN headquarters further consolidates these efforts, providing an advanced facility to support research and innovation.
The opening ceremony also included the blessing of the building by Cardinal Péter Erdő, Reformed Bishop Sándor Barna, and Chief Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, highlighting the national significance of the institution.
Kornél Almássy, Director of the Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre, highlighted the historical and architectural importance of the building. Designed in part by Alfréd Hajós—Hungary’s first Olympic champion and a renowned architect—, the structure has a legacy dating back to 1911, originally serving as the headquarters for the Hungarian Agricultural Cooperative.
The government allocated 4.8 billion forints for the renovation of the building, which now boasts six floors of office space, conference rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities for research collaboration. Previously, HUN-REN operated from rented offices, but the new 3,600-square-metre facility will now serve as a permanent hub for scientific leadership and administration.
Reflecting on Hungary’s scientific achievements, President Sulyok remarked that Hungarian researchers, including Nobel Prize winners and inventors, have consistently delivered outstanding contributions to science. He noted that creativity and innovation appear to be deeply ingrained in Hungarian heritage.
The new HUN-REN headquarters is expected to further Hungary’s position in global scientific research, offering a dedicated space for cutting-edge work while reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to fostering research excellence.
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