Corvinus Hosted the Founding Meeting of the Hungarian Association of Research Managers
The founding meeting was hosted by Corvinus University of Budapest and brought together approximately 150 professionals representing more than 70 institutions across Hungary, including universities, research institutes, funding organisations, and innovation agencies
The participants were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest, who emphasised that research excellence requires not only outstanding researchers but also professional research support capacities. He highlighted that the University’s investments in research support over recent years have delivered tangible results in both research performance and grant activity.
Dr. Péter Horváth, State Secretary for Science Policy, also addressed the participants, underlining the indispensable role of research support professionals in the development of Hungary’s research and innovation system. On the occasion of the Association’s establishment, Prof. Dr. Mihály Pósfai, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, also sent a congratulatory message expressing his support for the newly established professional organisation.
The opening presentations explored the development opportunities of the research management profession and introduced HUNARMA’s mission and vision. The speakers highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, inter-institutional collaboration, and community building, emphasising that research managers play a key role in strengthening connections between researchers, institutional leadership, funding organisations, and policymakers. They also pointed out that, due to their unique position, research managers have direct insight into how national and international policy objectives, new regulations, and funding requirements are translated into researchers’ everyday work, thereby serving as an important bridge between strategic decision-making and practical implementation.
During the General Assembly, the Association’s Statutes were adopted and its officers elected. Judit Fekete, Head of the Corvinus Centre for Grants and Projects, was elected Vice-Chair for Professional Coordination, while Nándor Petrovics, Senior Research Expert at Corvinus, was elected as a member of the Executive Board. Dr. Orsolya Lugmayer, Corvinus’ Liaison Officer in Brussels played a significant role in establishing the Association and provided legal support throughout the process. The team of the Centre for Grants and Projects at Corvinus actively contributed to the preparation of the inaugural event.
The programme concluded with the launch of the Association’s first thematic working groups, which will focus on identifying systemic challenges affecting the profession, developing joint solutions, and sharing good practices. For Corvinus, hosting the founding meeting marked more than providing a venue. The University also played an active role in establishing the Association and laying the foundations for its professional activities.
Further information:
E-mail: hunarmaegyesulet@gmail.com