HUN-REN Launches International Calls to Appoint Director Generals of its Research Institutions

The terms of office of the present heads of thirteen research institutions within the HUN-REN – Hungarian Research Network will expire at the end of 2026. For the next term, Director Generals will be selected through international selection process.

The calls are launched in three consecutive phases. In the first round, opening today, applications are invited for Director Generals positions of HUN-REN Biological Research Centre (Szeged, HU); HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research (Debrecen, HU); HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Budapest, HU); and HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (Sopron, HU). Application deadline is 31 May 2026. Full details of the calls are available on the HUN-REN website. The calls will also be published in leading international scientific journals, including Nature and Science.

HUN-REN  is Hungary’s flagship national research organisation and a central pillar of its research and innovation ecosystem. HUN-REN comprises 15 research institutions with more than 5,000 employees, including approximately 3,400 researchers, working across a wide range of scientific disciplines of STEM, LIFE and frontier sciences. Building on Hungary’s long tradition of scientific excellence and internationally recognised achievements, HUN-REN is undergoing a strategic renewal designed to position the Network among the leading research organisations globally and to further strengthen Hungary’s role as a vibrant hub for internationally collaborative scientific discoveries and innovations.

“With the international calls for the Director General positions, we aim to engage outstanding Hungarian and international members of the global scientific community. We are convinced that an open, international recruitment process enables a broader pool of candidates and helps ensure that the most qualified professionals are selected. Our objective is clear: to appoint Director Generals who can further strengthen the scientific performance and global competitiveness of our institutions, inject new momentum into their development, and enhance the reputation of HUN-REN and Hungarian science as a whole”, said Balázs Gulyás, President of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network.

“For the future of HUN-REN, it is crucial how effectively we translate scientific results into innovation, as well as economic and societal value. We aim to build an open and inspiring research environment that strengthens innovation, fosters partnerships, and deepens interest in and commitment to science. Director Generals play a key role in achieving these goals.”, added Roland Jakab, Chief Executive Officer of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network.

HUN-REN welcomes expressions of interest from outstanding candidates from the global scientific community who are committed to advancing scientific discovery, institutional excellence and international collaboration.

Full details of the calls for Director General positions are available on the HUN-REN website.

Background to HUN-REN’s International Calls for Director General Positions

HUN-REN  is Hungary’s flagship national research organisation and a central pillar of its research and innovation ecosystem. HUN-REN comprises 15 research institutions with more than 5,000 employees, including approximately 3,400 researchers, working across a wide range of scientific disciplines of STEM, LIFE and frontier sciences. Building on Hungary’s long tradition of scientific excellence and internationally recognised achievements, HUN-REN is undergoing a strategic renewal designed to position the Network among the leading research organisations globally and to further strengthen Hungary’s role as a vibrant hub for internationally collaborative scientific discoveries and innovations.

The terms of office of the present heads of thirteen research institutions within the HUN-REN – Hungarian Research Network will expire at the end of 2026. For the next term, Director Generals will be selected through international selection process.

Calls for applications for Director General positions will be announced in the following rounds, in three phases:

announcement on 7 April 2026

• HUN-REN Biological Research Centre (Szeged, HU)
• HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research (Debrecen, HU)
• HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (Sopron, HU) 

announcement in May 2026

• HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences (Budapest, HU)

announcement in June 2026

• HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research (Martonvásár, HU)
• HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute (Tihany, HU)
• HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (Budapest, HU)
• HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (Budapest, HU)

HUN-REN’s mission is to deliver world-class scientific excellence that expands the frontiers of knowledge, generates scientific breakthroughs with global impact, and contributes to innovation-driven economic growth. Recognising that scientific discovery transcends geographical borders, HUN-REN is committed to advancing knowledge for the benefit of humanity while reinforcing Hungary’s role as a dynamic contributor to the global research ecosystem.

At the heart of HUN-REN’s mission and operations are its researchers. Through their scientific excellence, professional dedication and collaboration, HUN-REN research institutions contribute to research and innovation outcomes that translate theoretical insights into solutions creating value for both society and the economy. In achieving these goals, a key role is played by the Director Generals, who lead the scientific work and operations of the research institutions.

During the selection process, HUN-REN will assess candidates against a range of criteria. A basic requirement is that applicants be internationally recognised researchers with outstanding scientific achievements and substantial experience in strategic planning, research organisation and leadership, innovation activities, international partnership-building and attracting external resources. Candidates are also expected to represent an innovative, forward-looking research vision and to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and fostering excellence.

The Director Generals’ key responsibilities include: defining and launching ambitious new research directions aligned with global scientific frontiers; leading organisational renewal and strengthening institutional governance and operational effectiveness; building and nurturing world-class research teams, attracting outstanding international talent, and supporting the development of early-career researchers; effective grant activity and collaboration with academic and industrial partners, expanding global scientific partnerships; developing advanced research infrastructure and research capabilities; delivering measurable scientific and innovation outcomes that contribute to discovery, technological progress and societal impact. These roles require visionary scientific leadership, the ability to drive institutional transformation, and a strong commitment to building internationally competitive research environments that attract global talent and foster scientific discovery.

The calls for applications are also published in leading international scientific journals like Nature and Science, as well as through the communication channels of international partner institutions collaborating with HUN-REN. In the selection process, candidates will be evaluated by selection committees composed of distinguished scientists and innovation leaders, followed by a second phase in which international advisors provide their assessments. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview. The President will submit his proposal(s) to the Governing Board for consultation. In accordance with the legislation governing HUN-REN, Director Generals of the research institutions are appointed by the President of HUN-REN.

These leadership roles offer an exceptional opportunity for internationally recognised scientific leaders to play a defining role at the helm of Hungary’s outstanding research institutions and to shape their future development as globally competitive centres of excellence.

HUN-REN welcomes expressions of interest from outstanding candidates from the global scientific community who are committed to advancing scientific discovery, institutional excellence and international collaboration.

HUN-REN Communications