From quantum computers and 3D printers to energy simulation tables, some of the most exciting achievements in Hungarian science will be featured at the first Science Expo at the Museum of Fine Arts. This interactive science exhibition, running from November 21–23, will highlight the work of 10 HUN-REN research centers.
HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research
Founded 70 years ago in Debrecen, this institute has a longstanding legacy not only in physics but also in related fields such as medical imaging, space research, and heritage science. It houses Hungary's largest collection of particle accelerators.
The European Physical Society (EPS) has designated the Institute’s main building as a Historic Site of Outstanding Importance in Physics Research.
During the Expo, visitors can explore an "atmospheric measuring station" and various instruments used in measuring aerosol concentrations, radon levels, and greenhouse gases, with opportunities for public participation.
HUN-REN Bay Zoltán Research Centre
Since summer 2024, this major applied research institution has been part of the HUN-REN network. With extensive experience in building international research consortia and securing EU R&D&I funding, the center plays a critical role in bridging science and the market.
At the Expo, the center will showcase crop yield enhancers, agroinformatics, and machine vision technologies.
HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities
This institute conducts internationally recognized basic research across diverse fields, including archaeogenomics, philosophy, literary studies, classical philology, art history, ethnography, archaeology, history, and musicology.
Their mission is to explore and preserve Hungary’s cultural heritage, thus strengthening Hungarian identity. At the Expo, they will present stories from Tihany Abbey and demonstrate how artificial intelligence aids their research.
HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences
Specializing in astronomy and earth sciences—including geography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics—the center conducts both theoretical studies and fieldwork.
The Svábhegy Observatory, opened in 2019, is Hungary’s largest science center for public astronomy and includes a fully renovated telescope, public lectures, and day and night sky shows. They’ll bring telescopes to the Expo, allowing visitors to "cook up a comet."
HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine
The institute’s 20 research groups cover major neuroscience fields, from pharmacology and neuroimmunology to behavioral and stress research.
Their primary goal is to deepen understanding of the nervous system, contributing to diagnostics and treatments for neurological disorders. Expo visitors can learn about their thyroid hormone diagnostics and cutting-edge research methods.
HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research
As Hungary’s largest ecological research institution, this center focuses on biodiversity and ecosystems, with research related to agriculture, forestry, water usage, and the ecology of emerging infectious diseases.
At the Expo, they will present interactive demonstrations on climate change, showing how nature restoration affects ecosystems and how climate change influences bird behavior.
HUN-REN Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics
Focused on advancing mathematics and its applications, this institute conducts research in mathematical structures and bioinformatics. It also manages the National Library of Mathematics.
At the Expo, visitors can learn how daily commuting habits impact epidemic spread and how quantum computing is used in drug discovery.
HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control
Hungary’s largest IT research institute, this center is a national leader in computer science and related fields.
The Expo will feature their latest innovations, including a robot dog, a hydrogen drone, and a portrait-painting robot. A special presentation will explore the intersection of aging and AI.
HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged
Renowned internationally, this life sciences research institute covers a broad spectrum of molecular and cellular biology, from biotechnology to environmental protection.
Visitors at the Expo will discover how mushrooms are used in medicine, with displays through microscopes and videos.
HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences
With a focus on organic chemistry, protein research, cancer research, drug discovery, and cognitive neuroscience, this institute leads in developing environmentally sustainable processes.
At the Expo, they will showcase the drug discovery process from inception to the laboratory, as well as an interactive exploration of stem cells.
More details coming soon!
- Renewing HUN-REN
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The modernising HUN-REN aims to become one of the most effective research organisations in Europe. The new leadership of HUN-REN seeks to establish a well-funded, open research institution system focused on social and economic issues, which can make a significant contribution to Hungary's social and economic success.
Researchers within the HUN-REN network can expect a long-term, consistent, value-driven, and performance-based funding system, mutually reinforcing structure and operation, nationally and internationally competitive salaries, as well as a predictable research career in an organisation with a strong entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset, administrative and procurement services to support researchers, and a significant emphasis on relationships beyond academia.