HUN-REN to Host the 2026 Annual Conference of Academia Europaea

Founded in 1988, Academia Europaea (AE) is the largest European scientific organisation based on individual membership, with approximately 6,000 members, including 160 Hungarian researchers. The AE, which is open to researchers from other continents with European affiliations, has nearly 90 Nobel Laureates among its members. The organisation encompasses all areas of scientific research, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the life and physical sciences. The significance of AE is underscored by the fact that, since 2023, it has also served as a scientific advisory body to the European Commission.

The 2025 annual conference took place in Barcelona between 14–17 October. A delegation from HUN-REN participated in the event, led by President Balázs Gulyás, as HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network has been a Patron Member of AE since 2024. As a Patron Member, HUN-REN collaborates with AE in organising and hosting professional events and consultations. A major milestone in this cooperation will be the “Building Bridges 2026” conference – the AE’s annual meeting – which will be hosted by HUN-REN in Budapest between 12–16 October 2026. The AE Budapest Knowledge Hub will also play a key role in the organisation of the event. Hosting the conference presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the achievements of Hungarian science on the international stage.

In addition to the professional discussions, the Erasmus Medal was awarded during the plenary session on 16 October to László Lovász, academic, and research professor at HUN-REN Rényi Alfréd Mathematical Research Institute, who delivered a celebratory lecture on the beauty of mathematics.