The HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research (HUN-REN ATOMKI) was founded in Debrecen in 1954. The founding director was Sándor Szalay, who even at that time stressed the importance of interdisciplinary research.
Consequently, from the very beginning the Institute has not only dealt with physics (nuclear, atomic, particle, vacuum, surface and quantum physics), but has also conducted research into connected fields (radiochemistry, medical imaging, space research, hydrological research, environmental science, heritage science). HUN-REN ATOMKI has the highest number of particle accelerators in Hungary.
