A major milestone has been reached for Hungary’s research management community. On 17 June 2026, the Hungarian Association of Research Managers and Administrators (HUNARMA) was officially established to bring together professionals working in research management and research administration, support their professional development, and strengthen Hungary’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The inaugural meeting was hosted by Corvinus University of Budapest and brought together approximately 150 registered participants. The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University, who highlighted the strategic importance of research management in today’s scientific landscape. Dr. Péter Horváth, State Secretary, also addressed the audience, emphasising the indispensable role of research support professionals, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting the profession, and highlighting the importance of maintaining an active dialogue with the research management community. On the occasion of the founding meeting, Prof. Dr. Mihály Pósfai, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, also sent a special message expressing his support for the newly established association.
The opening presentations introduced the vision behind the initiative and the future role of the association. Dr. Veronika Tamás presented the background and objectives of the HUNARMA initiative, Virág Zsár discussed the role and future development of research management in both the European and Hungarian context, while Judit Fekete outlined the mission and long-term vision of the association.
During the General Assembly, members adopted the Association’s Statutes and elected its first officers. We are particularly proud that our colleague, Virág Zsár, Senior International Advisor at HÉTFA Research Institute, was elected President of HUNARMA. Judit Fekete (Corvinus University of Budapest) was elected Vice President for Professional Coordination, while Dr. Veronika Tamás (ELTE Centre for Social Sciences) became Vice President for Operations and Finance. The Board members are Mónika Kocsis-Kiss (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – MATE), Nándor Petrovics (Corvinus University of Budapest), Tiziana del Viscio (HUN-REN Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics), and Dr. Julianna Németh Bárányné (Institute of Biology, ELTE Faculty of Science).
The establishment of HUNARMA represents an important step towards strengthening the research management profession in Hungary and increasing its recognition. The Association is also expected to play a key role in building a strong national community of research support professionals while fostering international cooperation and professional networking.
Over the past years, HÉTFA Research Institute has actively contributed to advancing the research management profession through its research, analyses and policy recommendations. Our work has supported a better understanding of the status of research management in Hungary and across Europe, while promoting greater professional recognition, expanded training opportunities and the further professionalisation of the field. We are proud that these efforts have contributed to the establishment of HUNARMA and to strengthening Hungary’s research management community.
You can follow the Association’s activities on the following platforms:
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/120904661
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591168173520
E-mail: hunarmaegyesulet@gmail.com