World-Renowned Nobel Laureate to Launch Upcoming HUN-REN Symposium

The April event will open with a keynote lecture by Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and molecular physiologist Sir Richard Timothy Hunt, held at HUN-REN’s new headquarters on Alkotmány Street. Sir Tim Hunt’s scientific contributions have been of outstanding significance in advancing our understanding of cell cycle regulation. The British researcher was awarded a shared Nobel Prize in 2001 for the discovery of cyclin proteins, which play a key role in controlling cell division. His research has had a profound impact on the fields of cancer biology and drug development.

The morning session will be conducted in English to accommodate international members of the HUN-REN Advisory Board and a visiting delegation from Academia Europaea, following HUN-REN’s recent accession as a supporting member of the European scientific organisation. The first joint event between HUN-REN and Academia Europaea Budapest Knowledge Hub is also on the horizon and is already generating significant interest among professionals. This forthcoming workshop will feature Professor George Cloetingh, Senior Advisor to the HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (HUN-REN FI) and Professor at Utrecht University. The Dutch scientist has emphasised the importance of building interdisciplinary bridges to better understand the interaction between Earth system processes and their impacts on humanity. Topics such as geothermal and renewable energy will also be addressed during the event, scheduled for the end of April.

Also on the morning of 10 April, Professor Alexander Zehnder, Chairman of the HUN-REN Advisory Board, will offer his insights and recommendations regarding the functioning of modern research networks. The programme will also feature a presentation of the AI4Science initiative by Gergely Szertics,  Adviser to the CEO, and an overview of HUN-REN’s ongoing renewal efforts, delivered by Beáta Sótyné Hoffer, Deputy CEO for Operations, and Márk Gergics, Head of the Transformation Project Office.

Panel Discussions and Expert InsightsThe afternoon session will comprise three panel discussions. The first will explore research careers and innovation incentives. The second will address strategies for achieving operational excellence, while the third will focus on optimising management and administrative processes – key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of scientific development. Organised by the HUN-REN HQ, the event welcomes questions and contributions from across the research community.

Why is this Symposium Important for HUN-REN?

 The symposium holds particular significance for HUN-REN and the wider Hungarian research community, as it provides an opportunity for professionals to engage in dialogue on the future of the national research network and its operational strategies. The involvement of both domestic and international experts supports the adoption of best practices and the development of a truly innovative research ecosystem. The event will be framed by opening and closing remarks from President Balázs Gulyás and CEO Roland Jakab, who will reflect on the renewal of HUN-REN and highlight the key takeaways from the symposium.