HUN-REN and Óbuda University sign strategic agreement on AI-driven research and development

The continuously evolving Agentic Discovery Platform is designed to support the large-scale use of artificial intelligence in research processes across Hungary’s academic landscape. At the heart of the cooperation is the “agentic discovery” approach – agent-based scientific discovery supported by artificial intelligence – in which autonomous AI agents assist and accelerate specific steps of the research process. The consortium will also provide training and educational services for researchers, share open-source tools and deliver solutions that support the innovation and commercial uptake of research results.

At the signing ceremony, Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN, emphasised that the Hungarian Research Network’s goal is for Hungary to become an active player in the global AI revolution. He also highlighted the importance of engaging young people during their university studies and ensuring that university research is closely linked to the scientific work carried out at HUN-REN institutes.

Within the framework of the consortium, HUN-REN and Óbuda University will jointly build an AI-based scientific ecosystem in which AI becomes an integral part of researchers’ work, rather than merely a supporting technology. The cooperation will span the full research lifecycle, from hypothesis generation and research planning to data analysis and scientific publishing.

Roland Jakab, CEO of HUN-REN, emphasised that the agreement will enable the development of tools that automate and accelerate the processes that create scientific value. “We have set up a service centre and an AI ambassador programme to help researchers identify the tools and methods best suited to their scientific work,” he said.

The strategic alliance goes beyond the technical implementation of a new research platform: it seeks to embed a mindset that makes scientific discovery more efficient, strengthens international competitiveness and helps Hungary consolidate its position at the global forefront of AI-driven research.

Levente Kovács, Rector of Óbuda University, said that the cooperation between Óbuda University and the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network will contribute significantly to building a knowledge-based society in Hungary. “It is clear that the custodians of a knowledge-based society are our researchers, who represent natural intelligence, while artificial intelligence – in line with today’s global trends – opens up a completely new dimension in the research and development landscape,” he said. He added that applying AI can make research processes several times faster, substantially improving efficiency.

Under the agreement, the Parties will establish a long-term partnership, combining their theoretical and practical expertise and resources to support each other’s innovative and successful work as well as their academic and business growth. Their shared goal is for the cooperation to deliver tangible scientific, innovation-related and economic results and, in the long term, to become a defining pillar of Hungary’s AI-based research and development ecosystem. The consortium also aims to expand over time by bringing in additional domestic and international partners with outstanding scientific expertise and relevant research capacity, further strengthening the scientific and innovation ecosystem they are building together.