Hungary’s national research system is taking another step toward deeper global integration with the creation of a new international advisory body designed to strengthen collaboration, visibility and long-term strategy.
The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network has officially established its International Scientific Advisory Board, a 13-member panel composed of globally recognised researchers and academic leaders representing three continents and ten scientific disciplines.
According to the organisation, the board will play a key role in supporting the network’s international partnerships, strategic direction and long-term competitiveness in global science.
A Global Advisory Panel
The new advisory body was initiated by Balázs Gulyás, president of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network, with appointments formally confirmed by the organisation’s Governing Board during its February 25 meeting.
The panel brings together leading figures from major universities, research institutions and international science organisations. Among the members are László Lovász, former president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford; and Antoine Petit, chairman and CEO of CNRS, France’s national scientific research centre.
Other members include Alexander Zehnder, former president of the ETH Domain in Switzerland, Jana Kolar, former director-general of the CERIC-ERIC research consortium, Lam Khin Yong, senior vice president at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and Sir Philip Campbell, former editor-in-chief of the influential scientific journal Nature.
Together, the members represent a broad spectrum of expertise spanning natural sciences, engineering, research management and scientific publishing.
Strengthening Hungary’s Global Research Links
According to HUN-REN, the advisory board’s primary role will be to support the organisation’s leadership in shaping long-term scientific strategy and strengthening international cooperation.
President Balázs Gulyás described the creation of the board as a significant milestone in reinforcing Hungary’s global scientific partnerships.
He noted that the panel members bring not only extensive academic experience but also deep international networks that can help connect Hungarian researchers with leading institutions around the world.
These connections are expected to play an important role in facilitating cross-border research collaborations, joint projects and participation in major international programmes.
A Focus on Strategy and Innovation
The advisory board will work closely with HUN-REN’s governing structures, providing strategic recommendations and insights that can guide the organisation’s development.
According to Roland Jakab, chief executive officer of HUN-REN, the board’s members also have strong links to the industrial and innovation sectors, which could help bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications.
By drawing on this expertise, HUN-REN aims to strengthen a research strategy built on three pillars: scientific excellence, innovation and societal impact.
Jakab said the board’s guidance could help the organisation refine its priorities, improve international competitiveness and ensure that research outcomes contribute to economic development and technological advancement.
Supporting Modernisation of Hungary’s Research System
The advisory board will also play a role in ongoing efforts to modernise and expand Hungary’s national research infrastructure.
HUN-REN has been undergoing structural changes in recent years as Hungary seeks to position its research institutions more effectively within the global scientific ecosystem.
The advisory board will provide recommendations to the organisation’s Governing Board, participate in discussions on research priorities and help evaluate future development initiatives.
Several of the newly appointed members have already worked with HUN-REN in previous advisory roles, giving them familiarity with the network’s existing research landscape.
Hungary’s Research Network
The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network coordinates a wide range of research institutes and laboratories across the country, covering disciplines from physics and life sciences to social sciences and engineering.
Its mission includes advancing fundamental research, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration between academia, industry and international partners.
In recent years, Hungary has increasingly emphasised the importance of research and development as a driver of economic growth and technological progress.
Strengthening global partnerships is widely seen as a key component of that strategy.
A Step Toward Greater International Visibility
The creation of the International Scientific Advisory Board reflects a broader effort to increase the global visibility and influence of Hungary’s research community.
By bringing together internationally recognised experts from leading institutions, HUN-REN hopes to expand its presence in international research networks and strengthen its role in major scientific collaborations.
For Hungarian researchers, the board’s work could open new opportunities for joint projects, knowledge exchange and participation in international research initiatives.
In an increasingly interconnected scientific landscape, the success of national research systems often depends on their ability to collaborate globally — something HUN-REN is clearly aiming to accelerate with this new advisory structure.
The full list of advisory board members and their biographies is available on the HUN-REN website
