John von Neumann Distinguished Award in STEM
Hungary
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The scholar selected for this grant is expected to conduct cutting-edge STEM research preferably at one of Hungary’s high priority research facilities or universities (see preferred locations below). Additional teaching and outreach activities at other Hungarian institutions are also possible.
The Ministry of Culture and Innovation is sponsoring this award to attract U.S. scholars to several high-priority research facilities in Hungary, all of which have strong university affiliations. These priority areas include, but are not limited to: autonomous (self-driving) vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks, molecular biology, physics and material science etc.
These institutions are:
- ELI-ALPS Institute in Szeged: Extreme Light Infrastructure research center funded by the European Union for attosecond projects. ELI is connected to the particle and x-ray center in Prague and the photonuclear center in Bucharest, Romania. Hungarian university researchers and their departments have access to ELI.
- ZalaZONE Test Track in Zalaegerszeg, whose mission is to: “Establish a full-range validation facility for the vehicles and communication technologies of the future enabling multi-level testing opportunities from prototype tests till serial products development.” ZalaZONE is affiliated with three Hungarian universities.
- Biological Research Centre, Szeged, affiliated with the University of Szeged, is a European Union Centre of Excellence, focuses on: biophysics, biochemistry, genetics, plant biology.
While U.S. scholars are free to associate with any university in Hungary, the following departments have direct relationships with the priority institutes listed above and have strong ties to the Fulbright Commission in Hungary:
- Vehicle Industry Research Centre, Széchenyi István University, Győr
- Department of Transportation and Vehicle System Control, Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- Department of Telecommunications and Media Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- Research Group on Artificial Intelligence, University of Szeged and Hungarian Academy of Science
- Department of Atomic Physics, ELTE Institute of Physics, Eötvös Lóránd University, Budapest
Scholars, of course, may seek affiliation with any accredited research facility and university not on the above list.
Dr. L Robert Baker's (Ohio State University-Main Campus) talk at the John von Neumann Symposium 2023
Flex grants of two or three months per segment, spread over two consecutive years, are possible with prior arrangement with host institution. Flex grants must be conducted between July 2025 and August 2027. Final approval of Flex grants will be contingent upon available funding.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Art, and Artificial Intelligence
Assistance with finding housing will be provided. Outreach and guest lecture opportunities at other higher education and research institutions will be arranged.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Research and teaching will be conducted in English; additional language proficiency is not required.
For further information please contact the Fulbright Commission, Dr. Károly Jókay, Executive Director at jokay@fulbright.hu, and/or the head of the institution of your area of expertise.
ELI-ALPS Laser Research Center
Zala ZONE Vehicle Test Track
Biological Research Centre, Szeged
Hungarian Academy of Science-University of Szeged, Research Group on Artificial Intelligence
Budapest University of Engineering and Economics, Department of Telecommunications and Media Informatics (5G network research)
Budapest University of Engineering and Economics, Faculty of Transportation and Vehicle Engineering
ELTE Institute of Physics
Stipend $5,500 per month.
Appr. $550 (HUF 200,000) per month local currency allowance.
The USD amount is subject to small exchange rate fluctuations. Average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360
Reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical round-trip airfare for grantees up to $2,000.
Allowance of $100 per month for one dependent and $200 per month for two or more dependents.
Dependent travel of $500 for one dependent and $1,000 for two or more dependents.
Dependents are welcome to participate in the in-country orientation program and in monthly cultural enrichment programs organized by the Fulbright Commission in Hungary.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
- Cost of living in Hungary is on average about 30% lower than in the United States.
- Depending on the size and quality of the apartment, housing in downtown Budapest ranges between $600-$1,200 per month.
- Utilities, internet connection, and building maintenance fees average about $150 per month; but could be included in the rent.
- Housing and living costs in smaller cities could be somewhat lower.
- Groceries for one person could typically cost between $150-200 per month. Eating out per meal costs approximately $15-30.
- In-country travel costs: monthly Budapest travel pass (unlimited travel on all means of public transportation): $25, a round-trip train ticket between Budapest and another major city: $20-25
- A museum admission ticket is between $10-15, concert tickets (good seats) are between $10-25
- Cost of living in Hungary according to: Numbeo Website; Expatistan Website (prices in Hungarian currency, average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360)
Assistance with finding housing will be provided.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Hungary
Hungary is a welcoming country that boasts rich cultural and educational traditions. Because the country has historically been the crossroads to many different cultures, our Fulbrighters will be able to witness these influences first hand. From Roman, Romanesque, medieval and neoclassical architecture, Turkish mosques and spas, an abundant art and music presence, and the diverse cuisine; there is sure to be something to intrigue everyone.
The Hungarian higher education system is part of the European Higher Education Area. The country has many well-known universities and research institutions with strong international connections, joint programs, and many international students. The Fulbright Program enjoys high prestige. The Fulbright Commission in Budapest offers grantees thorough assistance with their entry visa/residence permit application. The Commission organizes an extensive four-day orientation program for the newly arrived U.S. grantees. The orientation program provides an overview of Hungarian history, culture, and introduces grantees to current academic, political and practical issues. All through the grant period, grantees are regularly invited to participate in cultural enrichment programs. These monthly meetings, trips, cultural events and conferences offer interesting insights into Hungarian culture and different kinds of institutions, and also foster team spirit among our grantees. The Fulbright Commission in Hungary pays special attention to grantees with families, welcoming spouses and children too.
The academic year is from September to June. Semesters are four months in length. The fall semester starts in September, the spring semester in February. English language is sufficient for teaching and research in all fields. Over 400 study programs in English and other foreign languages are offered by Hungarian higher education institutions, see Study in Hungary.
Applications are welcome in all fields. Please see specific awards for areas of interest. Affiliations with Hungarian state-run institutions are preferred. Dual affiliations may be possible.
English language schools (pre-K-12) are located in Budapest only. In major cities, there are dual-language high schools where specific subjects are taught in English.
For more information about working and living in Hungary, please visit the following links:
Choose Hungary: Why was Hungary your destination?
What did you achieve thanks to Fulbright?
Testimonials of former U.S. grantees to Hungary
Prospective applicants may contact the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange for advice or for further information:
Dr. Károly Jókay, Executive Director, email: director@fulbright.hu
Annamária Sas, American Program Officer, email: sas@fulbright.hu
Website: www.fulbright.hu
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.