Hungary commits to join BBMRI in 2021

The Hungarian National Research Development and Innovation Office (NRDI Office) has published on November 24 its latest research infrastructures strategic document, where it commits to join BBMRI-ERIC as of 2021 (click here).

BBMRI was identified in the 2018 Hungarian research infrastructures roadmap as one of the RIs of most interest to the Hungarian research panorama. The NRDI surveyed Hungarian researchers, to assess which RIs were of greatest interest to the national research community. Based on the results, the new NRDI strategic documents establishes that in 2021 Hungary shall join BBMRI and E-RIHS (RI focused on cultural heritage).

Through the NRDI Office, Hungary has joined several international research infrastructures in recent years to enhance their international cooperation. The NRDI Office spends more than 10 million EUR annually on membership fees associated with their participation in international research infrastructures and organizations.

Throughout the process, the BBMRI HQ Office has been in contact with NRDI to provide key information and connect with the Hungarian biobanking community, building trust and showcasing the added values of joining BBMRI. In January 2019, BBMRI signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Szeged, which allowed BBMRI-ERIC to directly support the Szeged University in building its new biobank and connect to the European biobanking community, providing a clear example of BBMRI’s added value.

The formal procedures are being finalised and it is expected that Hungary will formally join BBMRI-ERIC in early 2021.