HUN-REN HQ, which manages the research network in Hungary, the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Candidates (DOSZ), and the Hunexpert Hungarian Expert System Ltd., have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing doctoral training and scientific research based on excellence, supporting institutions and students involved in doctoral training, and making research careers more attractive.
The mission of HUN-REN HQ is to promote the advancement of scientific research and innovation in Hungary by all available means. An integral part of this mission is to expand opportunities for young researchers and help them establish their careers, thus contributing to ensuring an adequate supply of young researchers.
Through this new collaboration, HUN-REN HQ provides interested PhD students with the opportunity to carry out research at HUN-REN research sites in order to gain research credits, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. DOSZ actively encourages its members to participate in HUN-REN HQ events, calls, and grant applications. In addition, Hunexpert Ltd., partly owned by DOSZ, assists HUN-REN HQ and the research sites to fill their vacancies in a professional manner.
The cooperation covers both the development of doctoral training and the scientific culture. This includes strengthening quality assurance and scientific systems in doctoral schools, developing the frameworks and content of student-centred doctoral training, increasing the number of successful doctoral graduates, and reducing drop-out rates. The development of a research career model and support for postgraduate training opportunities are also of key importance.
Another important area is strengthening the use of digital tools and AI, promoting the internationalisation of Hungarian higher education, and supporting multidisciplinary research topics. The cooperation also includes promoting the "Career Building in the World of Science" project, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.
“With our newly signed agreement, a synergistic strategic cooperation between natural partners is realised: our research network and the doctoral organisation, which plays a key role in ensuring an adequate supply of young researchers, support each other in implementing mutually beneficial activities and programmes. We aim to create an environment for doctoral training and scientific research that fosters innovation and supports future researchers. We believe that through our joint efforts, we can make research careers more attractive to an increasing number of students and contribute to enhancing the international recognition of Hungarian science and innovation,” emphasised Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN.
Dániel Molnár, President of DOSZ, added that DOSZ is committed to the professional and financial recognition of young researchers. The tripartite agreement contributes to making research careers more attractive and also encourages an increase in the number of people working in research and development. Vanda Csató, Managing Director of Hunexpert Ltd., stated that their company serves as a platform connecting young experts and researchers with the labour market. The agreement will enable them to become active participants in collaborative activities between national and international members of the innovation ecosystem.