AI to Play Key Role in Agricultural Research in Hungary

HUN-REN Headquarters launched its AI 4 Science programme last autumn to support researchers across the network in selecting and applying AI-based solutions. As part of the programme, the HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research (HUN-REN CAR) became the first in the network to organise an AI Workshop at the end of last year. During the event, the heads of scientific departments gained insights into the potential applications of AI in research processes.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Zoltán Divéki, Deputy Director-General of HUN-REN CAR, emphasised that the Centre can justifiably be proud of its achievements in data-driven innovation and the scientific application of AI. He highlighted that, thanks to the work of the AI Ambassadors, specific AI solutions are already being developed in numerous research projects, and significant progress has been made in organising large volumes of data. As data steward, Péter Ott supports the researchers' work.

Roland Hollós, one of the AI Ambassadors at HUN-REN CAR, highlighted the importance of harmonising data management, AI methods, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Gergely Szertics, AI Advisor to the CEO of HUN-REN, delivered an inspiring presentation on the programme’s structure and support opportunities. He mentioned that HUN-REN CAR is one of the exemplary research centres actively contributing to the development of AI applications.

Another focus of the Workshop was the presentation of the HUN-REN CAR AI Data Programme. Roland Hollós, Balázs Kalapos (another HUN-REN CAR AI Ambassador), and Péter Ott explained how data management, AI-based research, and the HUN-REN CAR infrastructure are integrated. Researchers János Ujszegi, András Farkas, and István Molnár then shared their experiences and ideas on the potential of using AI.

Among the other presentations at the event, Jeromos Rózsa, Head of the IT Department, explained how the HUN-REN CAR infrastructure supports AI projects, while Gergő Szabó discussed the frameworks and opportunities for implementing AI research ideas. After the lunch break, Roland Hollós and Péter Ott highlighted the practical aspects of data organisation and management.

In the afternoon, Roland Hollós provided an insight into the structure of the AI Catalogue, while Balázs Kalapos shared his experiences in the field of LLM. The theoretical presentations were followed by group work, during which participants planned joint projects and developed proposed solutions.

At the end of the workshop, it was clear that the AI 4 Science programme is closely aligned with the needs of researchers and provides significant support in integrating AI-based solutions into research. The leaders and researchers at HUN-REN CAR are determined to achieve even higher-quality results in the future by using AI.