Global Scientific Collaboration Launches in Hungary

11.09.2025

The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Center for International Studies (CIS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the world’s top-ranked university. This collaboration will connect MIT faculty and students with Hungarian researchers at HUN-REN institutes through joint research projects.

Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN, stated:

This is an exciting milestone for Hungary’s scientific community, to leverage the power of international collaboration to tackle today’s complex global issues.

MIT is a global leader in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, and technology, hosting one of the largest academic-industry AI centers in the world, the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (MIT CSAIL).

Roland Jakab, CEO of HUN-REN, added:

The collaboration has the potential to create unique new bridges between AI, engineering, and the life sciences across the Atlantic. With funding available for three annual award cycles, we look forward to many fruitful outcomes.

Justin Leahey, Assistant Director for Global Seed Funds at CIS, further emphasized:

With the MIT–Hungary HUN-REN Seed Fund, we are investing in new international collaborations at their earliest stage. Our goal is to spark connections that can grow into long-term, large-scale research partnerships between MIT and Hungary–advancing science and innovation on both sides.

The MIT–Hungary HUN‑REN Seed Fund, part of the MIT Global Seed Funds program at CIS, offers a maximum grant of USD 25,000 per project to support bilateral travel, workshops, and collaborative meetings. The next application cycle opens on 16 September 2025 (with a deadline on 16 December), and awarded projects will have 20 months to complete their work.

MIT consistently ranks first in the QS World University Rankings, second in Times Higher Education, and third in U.S. News & World Report global rankings, reflecting its world-leading performance in science, innovation, and technology.

To learn more: MIT Global Seed Funds – CIS