Overview of the National Research Excellence Program
The National Research Excellence Program in Hungary allocates significant funding to projects that exhibit international standard research output. In 2025 the program awarded a total of 700 million forints to five projects led by Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE) researchers. The allocation allows each team to secure up to 200 million forints, with an additional 40 million for innovation and outreach.
ELTE Researchers and Their Projects
1. Tamás András Halm – Linguistic Fragmentation
Halm’s project at the ELTE Research Center for Linguistics investigates everyday fragmentary sentences such as “Be right back!” or “Coffee?”. He aims to define the core grammatical components that enable interlocutors to understand these micro‑utterances. Outcomes will refine linguistic theory and support translation tools, speech‑recognition services, and language‑learning platforms.
2. Levente Littvay – Historical AI‑Driven Opinion Reconstruction
Littvay’s “AskAI” initiative leverages artificial intelligence to reconstruct public opinion across time. By creating virtual respondents that mimic real individuals in specific contexts, the project fills gaps in historical data and forecasts potential future reactions. This model is valuable for policymakers, social scientists, and strategic planners.
3. Edit Mátyus – Quantum Chemistry for Precision Measurement
Focused on the intersection of quantum technology and atomic clocks, Mátyus seeks to develop computational tools that keep pace with experimental precision. Her work will aid in interpreting spectroscopic measurements and facilitate the design of next‑generation quantum devices.
4. István Groma – Plasticity Theory for Structural Safety
Groma’s research on avalanche‑like internal rearrangements in solids aims to produce a predictive model of material failure. The outcomes could dramatically improve safety in engineering design and reduce the risk of catastrophic material breakdowns.
5. … (The fifth team’s project will launch at ELTE’s Centre for Social Sciences)
All projects are positioned to elevate Hungary’s scientific profile and to enable ELTE researchers to pursue European Research Council (ERC) grants.
Impact on Hungarian Research Landscape
Besides providing financial backing, the program’s strategic selection respects the national goal of enhancing international research recognition. Winners like ELTE’s scholars are well positioned to disseminate findings through conferences, open‑access journals, and partnerships with global institutions.
How Students and Aspiring Researchers Can Engage
ELTE remains a vibrant environment for those looking to contribute to cutting‑edge science. Prospective students can explore available degree programmes, participate in mobility exchanges, or apply for scholarships such as Stipendium Hungaricum. Experienced researchers can connect with the Center for Knowledge Exchange to identify collaboration opportunities.
Available Resources
- Submit your application today
- Explore funding options for your research
- Learn about incoming mobility programmes
- Request more information from the research offices
- Share your experience or question in the comments below
Contact and Next Steps
To discuss collaboration or to learn more about research careers at ELTE, visit the university’s official site or schedule a consultation with the research liaison office. Your next step could bring you into the forefront of Hungarian scientific innovation.
