The Data Gateway Has Opened

At the conference on 25 November, the directors-general of the HUN-REN Centre for Social Science (TK), the HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI), and the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics celebrated the platform, highlighting its unique opportunities within Hungary.

In his speech, Roland Jakab, CEO of HUN-REN, emphasized the importance of responsibly managing the vast and valuable data generated during research. He described research data as a real asset that must be handled in a structured way. “This approach increases the potential for reusing research data by preserving and systematizing the information generated during studies. In this way, we can maximize the long-term benefits of the financial resources and efforts invested in research,” he stated. Jakab described the launch of ARP as a significant milestone, as it organizes domestic research data in a structured and visible manner. “Through this initiative, we can connect to EU projects, opening doors to new research opportunities for our scientists,” he added.

Jakab also highlighted HUN-REN’s AI 4 Science Ambassadors Programme, launched this year, and its network of data scientists. He noted that these initiatives aim to foster collaboration by enabling researchers to support and complement each other. “Thanks to these efforts, we will be able to advance technology transfer and innovation while leveraging technologies that are essential for successful and impactful research in the future,” Jakab concluded.

István Szabó, Deputy CEO for Strategy and Innovation of HUN-REN, reinforced this vision in his welcome speech. He stressed that researchers should be able to focus on their primary task – research – without being burdened by administrative and technical activities. “The newly established network of data managers will provide crucial support by ensuring that research data is well-organized, securely stored, and easily retrievable,” Szabó said.

The conference also featured presentations by ARP's past and present leaders, who outlined the project's national and international significance. Topics included the role of open science in ongoing research and the ARP’s contribution to fostering collaboration.

Two of ARP’s flagship initiatives – the Data Scientist Training Programme and the Ambassador Programme – were highlighted, alongside a survey of potential users of the ARP research network.

During the roundtable discussions, data scientists explored the challenges and importance of replicating research data, as well as the critical role of data science in supporting research. Participants from the Ambassador Programme shared their experiences, illustrating how the repository has benefited their disciplines. They discussed hosting research data, improving access for researchers, and the challenges of repository management, providing valuable insights into the practical application of ARP services.