360° AI support in the service of science

14.04.2025

AI is not only transforming the world but also ushering in a new era in scientific research. The new AI programmes launched by HUN-REN HQ are equipping researchers with tools that enable more efficient work, foster greater innovation, and help them better prepare for the changes brought about by AI.

At HUN-REN’s April symposium, Gergely Szertics, head of the AI 4 Science programme (as well as the expanded AI 4 Impact), presented HUN-REN’s latest AI services, which aim to bring science and artificial intelligence even closer together.

HUN-REN supports its researchers in this journey through the following four new programmes:

AI for Science (AI4S) – where AI directly supports research activities;
AI for Efficiency (AI4E) – focused on automating administrative and support processes;
AI for Innovation (AI4I) – aimed at strengthening innovative and market-oriented thinking;
AI-First Science (AI1S) – designed to prepare researchers to work with autonomous, PhD-level intelligences.

According to Gergely Szertics, AI is developing along three main lines: it is becoming more intelligent, specialising in specific scientific fields (such as bioinformatics or chemistry), and gaining the ability not only to think but also to act.

The head of the HUN-REN AI 4 Science programme reported that three different approaches have been developed in response: augmented, automated, and autonomous intelligence – each requiring dedicated tools, training, and organisational structures.

The presentation highlighted that the GenAI for Science platform is already available. It works with open-source models and image analysis tools, and AI modules for gene sequencing are expected to be introduced in the future.

HUN-REN’s AI-based partner and topic discovery tool is already in the pilot phase and supports institutions such as the HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research by helping researchers find relevant collaborators for their scientific activities more quickly. “Our goal is to give every researcher the chance to work more efficiently, more quickly, and more intelligently with the help of artificial intelligence,” emphasised Gergely Szertics. He added that for researchers interested in the new dimensions of science, now is the time — and the opportunity — to get involved.

The presentation shown at the symposium can be viewed HERE.

More information about the HUN-REN AI programme is available HERE.

The full programme of the HUN-REN AI Symposium can be found HERE.