Deadline: 28-May-2026
The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund (NRDI Fund) in Hungary offers funding to facilitate domestic and international researchers’ access to research infrastructures. Grants support travel, stays, instrument usage, and dissemination of results, with project funding ranging from HUF 800,000 to HUF 5 million for up to 24 months.
What is This Funding Opportunity?
This programme aims to enhance researchers’ access to domestic and international research infrastructures, enabling knowledge exchange, integration into scientific networks, and development of early-career researchers. Key objectives include:
- Supporting use of research and measurement facilities
- Facilitating outbound and inbound research-related travel
- Promoting international collaboration and integration
- Covering project-related stays, instrument usage, and material costs
- Supporting dissemination of results via journals, conferences, open repositories, or open-source software
Programme Structure
The funding opportunity is divided into two sub-programmes:
Sub-Programme A: Domestic Researchers
Focuses on supporting Hungarian researchers in using infrastructures where Hungary is a full member. Key activities include:
- Organizing group study trips to enhance the researcher pipeline
- Travel abroad for domestic researchers, including PhD, MSc, or MA students
- Project-related domestic and international travel
- Stays in the target country for research purposes
- Dissemination of results through conferences, journals, open-access repositories, or software
- Funding instrument usage fees certified by the host infrastructure
Sub-Programme B: International Researchers
Aims to support foreign researchers using major Hungarian research infrastructures. Focus areas include:
- Inbound travel and stays in Hungary for researchers and PhD students
- Domestic project-related travel within Hungary
- Dissemination of results in scientific publications or open-access platforms
- Funding material, equipment, and instrument usage costs at the host institution
- Promoting integration of foreign researchers into Hungarian and international scientific networks
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Businesses and economic organizations under specified GFO codes
- Denominational or private higher education institutions accredited by the state
- Budgetary organs
- Entities qualifying as research and knowledge-dissemination organizations under EU regulations
Key Notes: Projects can last up to 24 months, and both domestic and international researchers are supported depending on the sub-programme.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding per project: HUF 800,000 – HUF 5,000,000
- Total programme budget: HUF 87,300,000
- Funding covers travel, stays, instrument usage, material costs, and dissemination activities
- Supports both short-term and longer-term projects that integrate international research collaboration
Why It Matters
- Enhances researcher mobility and integration into domestic and international scientific networks
- Provides access to advanced research infrastructures otherwise difficult for early-career scientists to utilize
- Encourages knowledge dissemination and collaboration across borders
- Strengthens Hungary’s position in global research initiatives
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your institution or organization qualifies under the specified GFO codes or EU research categories.
- Select Sub-Programme: Identify whether Sub-programme A (domestic) or B (international) fits your project.
- Prepare Project Plan: Include details of infrastructure usage, travel plans, stays, and dissemination activities.
- Estimate Budget: Include all eligible costs—travel, instrument fees, material costs, and dissemination expenses.
- Submit Application: Follow official NRDI Fund submission procedures and deadlines.
- Implement Project: Upon approval, execute your research project and report outcomes according to programme requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications without full compliance with GFO codes or EU research criteria
- Ignoring instrument usage certification or project-related travel documentation
- Failing to clearly separate activities under Sub-programme A or B
- Exceeding the maximum project duration (24 months) or budget limits
- Incomplete documentation for dissemination and material costs
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Eligible applicants include businesses, economic organizations, denominational/private higher education institutions, budgetary organs, and recognized research organizations under EU regulations.
2. What is the maximum funding per project?
Funding ranges from HUF 800,000 to HUF 5,000,000 per project.
3. How long can projects run?
Projects may run for a maximum of 24 months.
4. Are PhD, MSc, or MA students eligible to participate?
Yes, students can participate in research stays and project-related travel under Sub-programme A.
5. Can foreign researchers access Hungarian research infrastructures?
Yes, Sub-programme B supports inbound travel and stays in Hungary for international researchers.
6. What costs are covered?
Eligible costs include travel, stays, instrument usage, material and equipment costs, and dissemination of research results.
7. Is there a total programme budget?
Yes, the total budget for this funding opportunity is HUF 87,300,000.
Conclusion
The NRDI Fund’s programme strengthens access to research infrastructures, promotes international collaboration, and empowers early-career researchers. By funding travel, stays, instrument usage, and knowledge dissemination, the initiative facilitates both domestic and international scientific engagement, ensuring Hungarian researchers and institutions are integrated into global research networks.
For more information, visit National Research, Development and Innovation Office.