The HU-rizon international research excellence cooperation programme, launched by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDI Office), aims to provide support for international collaborative projects led by Hungarian higher education institutions that seek innovative solutions to challenges relevant and topical for the Hungarian and international community, in line with the focus areas of the John von Neumann Programme (NJP).
The call will contribute to:
- the implementation, through the concentration of funds, of large-scale international research programmes led by Hungarian researchers seeking to address social and economic challenges of importance to Hungary, on the one hand and to enhance the competitiveness of the Hungarian industry, on the other,
- supporting impact-driven research collaborations, in line with the NJP’s priorities, with a strong emphasis on social and economic impact in addition to intellectual impact, and on strengthening an ecosystem approach to research,
- preparing Hungarian researchers and institutions for the requirements of the European research and innovation schemes and for the management of their consortia,
- building trust in research in society and communicating research projects to stakeholders by providing science-based answers to relevant social and technological problems.
International consortia formed under the HU-rizon Programme are lead in each case by Hungarian higher education institutions; however, foreign institutions from anywhere in the world are free to join the cooperation on the basis of excellence.
Applications for funding may be submitted in the following focus areas
Preventive, therapeutic and care services intended to preserve healthy life:
- healthcare and disease prevention developments;
- improving quality of life of the elderly,
- innovative diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and therapies (pharmaceutical research, immunology, development of medical devices and instruments).
Green transition of the economy and the development of a circular economy
- agricultural innovation and water management, effective protection against natural disasters and extreme weather conditions,
- increasing energy savings, accelerating the transition to clean energy, exploiting indigenous energy sources,
- sustainable and smart mobility.
Digital transformation of the economy and society:
- advanced cybersecurity projects and solutions;
- artificial intelligence, quantum technology;
- smart grids, autonomous systems.
The first HU-rizon call for 2024 was immensely popular attracting five times more funding requests from applicants than the available budget would allow. By virtue of the funder’s decision, 30 projects received a total of HUF 11,819,331,874 in non-refundable funding from the National Research Development and Innovation Fund managed by the NRDI Office, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. Under the second HU-rizon call in 2025, an additional budget of HUF 8 billion is allocated to support the involvement of Hungarian researchers in international cooperation.
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