László Palkovics, the rector of the university pointed out: the funding has been awarded for three thematic areas which can address natural and social challenges more effectively, while bringing economic benefits to the country.
The first area focuses on the identification of civilization-related hazards to waters and other vital systems with, among other things, drones and sensor technology, and the development of the latter technology. The second area deals with the examination of Lake Balaton and its catchment area, and the impact of pollution on living organisms, such as fish; while the third area is centred around the effect of climate change on viticulture. As an example of the latter, the emerging problems of Tokaji wine production in Hegyalja were mentioned.
The rector emphasised that the research findings achieved at the university are immediately incorporated into the curriculum and can be utilised in the national economy.
István Szabó, Deputy President of the NRDI Office said that the programme provides altogether HUF 14.6 billion in funding to 26 higher education institutions and research institutions.
He explained: the programme aims to encourage the institutions to organise their innovation activities and capacities around larger thematic areas and to build collaborative partnerships with businesses for the better economic exploitation of research results.
The four main groups of thematic areas are health, industry and digitisation, culture and family, and secure society and environment. The directions are determined by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology in line with the EU’s research framework programme – István Szabó said.
The Gödöllő-based university primarily focuses on agricultural sciences and has around 13,000 students at eight faculties.
Budapest, 01 August 2019 Thursday (MTI)
