Government Decree Issued on Additional Funding for HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network
In Decree No. 1447/2024 (XII.30.), published on 30 December 2024, the government outlined measures for establishing and funding the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network. Strengthening Hungary's scientific potential is now a key goal enshrined in a dedicated law. This effort is backed by substantial financial resources and an ongoing transformational program focused on organisational and operational development.
Under the government decree, HUF 1 billion will be allocated to fund the initial assets of HUN-REN, while the Government has set aside an additional HUF 2 billion in the 2025 budget of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation to cover tasks related to legal succession.
In its Decree No. 1447/2024 (XII.30.), the Government has authorised the Minister of Culture and Innovation to sign a public task financing agreement with the Hungarian Research Network, establishing the basis for HUN-REN's new performance-led funding system. The agreement will outline the public tasks and services HUN-REN is responsible for, the related performance indicators, and the amount of state funding provided.
The annual accounting for the state funding will be based on the agreement between the state and HUN-REN. This funding will see a significant increase starting this year, with the Government providing an additional HUF 18 billion. By 2026, total budgetary support will reach HUF 84.5 billion, and from 2027 onward, HUN-REN will receive HUF 97 billion annually for its operations.
The government decree clearly shows that the Government views the renewal of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network as a strategic priority and is providing long-term funding to support the transformation of Hungarian research.