Deadline: 29-May-2026
The HU-RIZON International Research Excellence Cooperation Programme funds international collaborative research projects led by Hungarian higher education institutions, especially universities. With a total budget of HUF 8 billion and HUF 100–400 million per project, it supports high-impact research in health, green transition, circular economy, and digital transformation.
What is the HU-RIZON Programme?
The HU-RIZON International Research Excellence Cooperation Programme is a Hungarian research funding programme that supports international research and innovation partnerships.
It is designed to help Hungarian universities and higher education institutions lead collaborative projects that develop solutions to major social and economic challenges.
The programme is funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund and aims to strengthen:
- Research excellence
- International collaboration
- Innovation capacity
- Industrial competitiveness
- Social and economic impact
Funding Overview
Budget and Grant Size
- Total budget: HUF 8 billion
- Minimum funding per project: HUF 100 million
- Maximum funding per project: HUF 400 million
This makes HU-RIZON a large-scale research grant opportunity for strong international consortia.
Priority Research Areas
The programme supports projects in the following key areas:
1. Healthy Life and Healthcare
Research may focus on:
- Preventive services
- Therapeutic services
- Care services
- Solutions that preserve healthy life
2. Green Transition and Circular Economy
Eligible themes include:
- Green economic transition
- Sustainable systems
- Circular economy development
- Resource efficiency
- Environmental innovation
3. Digital Transformation
Projects may also support:
- Digital transformation of the economy
- Digital transformation of society
- Innovation through digital technologies
- Data-driven and technology-enabled solutions
Why This Programme Matters
HU-RIZON is not just a standard academic grant. It is a strategic international research funding programme.
It helps Hungary:
- Build stronger global research partnerships
- Prepare researchers for European research and innovation frameworks
- Support collaborations linked to the John von Neumann Programme
- Increase research capacity and industrial competitiveness
- Promote trust in science through effective communication of results
A strong proposal should show both:
- Scientific excellence
- Clear social and economic impact
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include legal entities that:
- Have a registered office in Hungary, or
- Have a registered office in the European Economic Area (EEA) and a branch in Hungary
Priority Applicants
The programme particularly targets:
- Hungarian higher education institutions
- Universities operating under Hungarian law
Additional Eligible Institutions
Certain Hungarian-language higher education institutions in neighboring countries may also be eligible when applying for:
- Research activities
- Innovation activities
International Partnership Requirement
International collaboration is a mandatory requirement.
Each project must involve:
- At least two research or knowledge dissemination institutions
- Partners from two different countries
This ensures that projects are built on real international cooperation, not only domestic participation.
What Activities Can Be Funded?
The main eligible activities are:
- Basic research
- Applied research
- Experimental development
Important Rule
Supporting activities such as:
- Coordination
- Dissemination
- Communication
cannot be funded independently. They may be included only as part of a larger eligible research project.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Participant Portal.
Application Steps
- Access the Participant Portal
- Complete the required application form
- Upload all required documents
- Attach the certified statement verifying electronic submission
- Review eligibility, budget, and consortium requirements
- Submit before the official deadline in the call documents
Tips for Applicants
To improve your chances, make sure your proposal:
- Clearly fits one or more priority research areas
- Shows strong international added value
- Includes qualified partners from at least two countries
- Demonstrates social and economic impact
- Uses a realistic budget within the HUF 100–400 million range
- Treats dissemination as a support activity, not the project’s main purpose
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent issues:
- Weak or unclear international collaboration
- Poor alignment with the programme’s priority themes
- Focusing too much on dissemination instead of core research
- Missing the certified electronic submission statement
- Submitting a budget outside the allowed range
- Failing to explain expected social or economic benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the HU-RIZON International Research Excellence Cooperation Programme?
It is a Hungarian funding programme for international collaborative research projects led by Hungarian higher education institutions, especially universities.
2. How much funding is available?
- Total budget: HUF 8 billion
- Per project: HUF 100 million to HUF 400 million
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Legal entities based in Hungary
- Legal entities in the EEA with a branch in Hungary
- Primarily Hungarian universities and higher education institutions
4. Is international collaboration required?
Yes. Each project must include:
- At least two research or knowledge dissemination institutions
- From two different countries
5. What activities are eligible?
The programme funds:
- Basic research
- Applied research
- Experimental development
6. Can dissemination or coordination be funded on their own?
No. These activities may support the project, but they cannot be funded independently.
7. How are applications submitted?
Applications must be submitted online through the Participant Portal, along with the required form and a certified statement verifying electronic submission.
Conclusion
The HU-RIZON International Research Excellence Cooperation Programme is a major funding opportunity for Hungarian-led international research partnerships. With HUF 8 billion in total funding and support for projects in health, sustainability, circular economy, and digital transformation, it is best suited for institutions that can combine research excellence, strong international collaboration, and real-world impact.
For more information, visit NRDI.