On 14 July 2025, an agreement was reached establishing a space-industry network called the Hungarian Spacelab Network, signed by nine higher-education institutions—including Obuda University—two ministries, and the HUN REN Hungarian Research Network.
Today, a solemn declaration of intent to create the Hungarian Spacelab Network was signed, laying the groundwork for a new nationwide collaboration in space science and industry.
The aim is for the participating institutions to jointly and coherently showcase their capabilities both nationally and internationally.
In his welcome, Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó noted that a country’s research, educational, and scientific excellence is reflected in its presence in the space industry, space research, and space sciences—and Hungary has made significant progress in recent years. He recalled that the HUNOR programme was initially met with skepticism, but ultimately succeeded, thanks to the support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry for Culture and Innovation, universities, and HUN‑REN.
He also highlighted that universities have begun significant cooperation through the UniSpace programme in fields including space pharmacy, space medicine, food science, and engineering. He described the Spacelab Network as an “excellent research collaboration” that continues and builds upon the results prepared by Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu’s experiments.
Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research Orsolya Ferencz emphasized that Hungary is writing the 21st century’s history in outer space. She stressed the need to retain domestic researchers and attract both Hungarian and foreign experts with meaningful research opportunities, calling the lab network “a huge opportunity” launched by HUNOR.
Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, stated that the Hungarian Spacelab Network brings together universities which have demonstrated exceptional research energy and affinity through HUNOR, enabling them to present their opportunities to the world.
The network includes: Semmelweis University, University of Miskolc, Eötvös Loránd University, University of Pécs, Széchenyi István University, University of Szeged, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, University of Debrecen, and Obuda University. Their joint mission is to promote innovation in the space sector, foster sustainable development, and strengthen Hungary’s international role in space science and industry. Additionally, the network provides an organisational framework for coordinated development of domestic space research.
