In the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) compiled by the European Commission, Hungary, based on its total score, has made a slight improvement compared to last year. Last year significant changes were made to the methodology of the scoreboard, which are important to take into account when analysing the data in an informed way.

The universe of scientific research has undergone a profound change over the past two-three decades, more substantial than ever during the previous three centuries. Academician József Pálinkás, President of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, talked to Origo news portal about opening the Frontline programme supporting our most successful researchers in the global competition, as well as hot topics of basic and applied research, the situation of Hungarian science and its financing possibilities.

One of the funding schemes of the NRDI Office is specifically designed to enable Hungarian students studying in UK universities to join internship programmes in Hungary. Grantees have the opportunity to return to Hungary for a few months and participate in the scientific work of innovative domestic businesses and research institutions to gain an insight into Hungarian career opportunities and the incentive system of research funding. This year’s winners are going to participate in research projects in solid-state physics, artificial intelligence and robot programming, to mention just a few.

The Institute of Behavioural Science and Communication Theory of Budapest Corvinus University (BCU) organised a conference on 11 May.  In his opening speech, József Pálinkás, reviewing the tasks of science communication, stressed that besides up-to-date encouraging of the scientific publishing, sophisticated dissemination of knowledge, and popularisation of science, the science communication should be made part of the science funding systems, competition models, and requirement systems.

The same website offers full information about RDI competitions funded from national and EU sources and RDI programmes to be applied for directly at the European Commission. Searchable databases advise on funded projects. Promising projects and exemplary results are showcased with focus on their economic and social benefits. A complex information base of the policy-making activities of the NRDI Office.