Supporting HUN-REN researchers and research institutions remains a priority throughout the planned transformation of the research network

 Although recent public discussion of HUN-REN has focused primarily on government plans concerning the future structure of the research network, the network – comprising 14 natural sciences research institutions in Hungary, as well as supported research groups – continues to carry out its scientific work without interruption under the existing regulatory and operational framework.

On 3 September, the HUN-REN Governing Board met with the directors-general of the research institutions to discuss the next steps set out in the business plan adopted at the beginning of the year, with a view to expanding opportunities for researchers and research institutions.

In line with the HUN-REN leadership’s commitment to improving researchers’ salaries and narrowing the pay gap, the research institutions will receive additional funding equivalent to two months’ payroll across the network under the business plan. This follows the unrestricted funding equivalent to one month’s payroll that was already provided in the first half of the year. The directors-general approved the allocation of the additional funding among the institutions. The funding may be used exclusively for staff costs, but each director-general may determine its specific use in line with their institution’s scientific objectives. It may therefore be used to increase the salaries of current employees, recruit new staff or retain existing employees. The aim is to enable the institutions to enhance their research and innovation performance and help them meet the targets they have committed to under the public task financing agreement concluded with the State. The funding must be used by the middle of next year at the latest.

The launch of the HUN-REN Infra Programme will also help expand research opportunities. The programme supports the creation of a modern, secure and internationally competitive research environment, the development of physical and digital infrastructure, and the operating costs of the research institutions. The directors-general also approved the allocation of funding under the Infra Programme among the institutions. Each institution may use its allocated funding for non-personnel operating and capital expenditure, in accordance with its specific circumstances and scientific priorities; the funding may not, however, be used for staff costs. The funding must be used by the end of 2027 at the latest and must contribute to modernising and developing the institution’s research and innovation environment, thereby enhancing its performance. The directors-general will report retrospectively on how the funding has been used.

In addition, consultations are under way across the network on three further programmes designed to directly expand professional opportunities for researchers. These programmes will promote the commercialisation of research and innovation, the international mobility of researchers, and collaboration between researchers working at different research institutions. The programmes are expected to be open not only to researchers at HUN-REN’s natural sciences institutions, but also to researchers at ELTE’s social science research centres.

Taking into account the consultation with the directors-general, the Governing Board will adopt a formal decision on the allocation of the additional payroll funding and the resources available under the Infra Programme among the institutions, as well as on the rules governing their use. In view of the government’s restructuring plans, the HUN-REN Governing Board once again confirmed that maintaining an adequate reserve from the funding provided under the 2026 public task  financing agreement  remains a key priority.