The Department for International Cooperation of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDI Office) organised the 5th Research Management Professional Day, this time in cooperation with the National University of Public Service.
The event, held on 14 October 2025, the second one this year, once again offered an opportunity for representatives of the domestic research management community to share knowledge, expand their professional network and develop their skills. We are pleased to see that the event is gaining popularity, as this time we welcomed 81 participants from 28 different institutions.
Launched in 2023, the series aims to foster collaboration within the Hungarian research management community and to raise the profession’s visibility and recognition within the Hungarian and international RDI sphere. For the NRDI Office, the internationalisation of Hungarian research excellence is a priority area: in 2025 the Office is contributing HUF 19 billion to international value creation within the domestic RDI ecosystem.
At the event, Major General Prof. Dr. László Kovács, Vice-Rector for Science of the National University of Public Service, presented the university’s wide-ranging research and development portfolio, highlighting unique dual-use developments. Dr. Gábor Kemény, Vice-Rector for Development, emphasised the importance of the research management profession in his welcome speech, adding: “Project management is a tool that supports research and frees up resources for researchers.”
Representing the NRDI Office’s Department for International Cooperation, as usual, Dr. Borbála Schenk, Head of Department, and Dóra Pivarcsiné Fekete, Head of Unit, provided participants with an overview of the current EU research policy landscape, the status of the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 work programmes, the participation of Hungarian stakeholders, recent developments regarding the future FP10 framework programme and updates on the European Research Area’s Key Research Management Action. The key words shaping the future are simplification, lump sum funding, broader topic calls, dual-use developments, strengthening of Widening countries, support for start-up companies and boosting European competitiveness.
News was also shared about our Complex Horizon Europe Preparation Programme, through which researchers, companies and research managers can again receive support from the experts of the Department for International Cooperation this year to increase the international visibility of their research activities, prepare their value proposition, obtain a personalised Horizon Europe proposal submission plan and receive financial support to participate in international matchmaking events.
During the popular “Open Mic” session, participants shared best practices with each other. Péter Pál Bóné from the HUN-REN International Cabinet shared his experiences from the European Research and Innovation Days in Brussels, while Melinda Szondy, Senior Expert at the Secretariat of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, reported on the most recent CoARA Forum event. As a guest speaker, Virág Zsár, Senior International Advisor at the HÉTFA Research Institute, gave a presentation on the results of the recently concluded RM Roadmap and the ongoing RM Framework international research management projects.
The morning session concluded with an interactive workshop, where colleagues from the NRDI Office’s Department for International Cooperation worked together with participants to review the European Commission’s guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence during the proposal process. The discussion placed special emphasis on data security, up-to-dateness, the use of reliable software and the value of professional expertise. The professional day concluded with an interactive laboratory visit, during which participants were introduced to the National University of Public Service’s key research areas through engaging demonstrations. As the 5th Research Management Professional Day came to an end, it once again proved that research management is one of the pillars of scientific excellence, playing a crucial role in the international success of Hungarian researchers and their achievements. We are grateful to all participants for their contribution!