Ongoing Projects

Ongoing Projects

Last modified: 24. June 2026

CURRENT PROJECTS

2025

Identifier: 2024-1.2.8-TÉT-IPARI-CN

Project Title:

Mechanisms and Applications of Beneficial Endophytic Microbes for Enhancing Plant Resilience to Climate Change

Short Summary:

The project develops innovative endophyte-based solutions aimed at enhancing climate resilience, with particular emphasis on improving temperature-stress tolerance in wheat and soybean as well as increasing the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation.

The relevance of the research is underscored by the fact that, in Hungary, insurance claims related to heat and drought damage quadrupled in 2023, while in China frost damage affected approximately 871,000 hectares in 2022. The effectiveness of currently available solutions remains limited under extreme environmental conditions, highlighting the urgent need for the development of novel biologically based technologies.

The research has three primary objectives:

  1. Identification and screening of temperature-stress-tolerant endophytic microorganisms, focusing on cold tolerance in wheat and heat tolerance in nitrogen-fixing microorganisms associated with soybean. Selected strains will be assembled into highly viable synthetic microbial communities.
  2. Under the leadership of the Chinese partner, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing synthetic endophyte–root system interactions in wheat and soybean, thereby establishing the scientific basis for the development of effective microbial consortia.
  3. Development of practical applications to improve wheat germination and root development under low-temperature conditions, as well as to optimize heat tolerance and nitrogen fixation in soybean.

The international collaborative research methodology encompasses investigations into the relationships between the adaptive mechanisms of endophytic microorganisms and the physicochemical properties of soils, the application of high-throughput screening protocols, laboratory-scale prototype development by the Hungarian partner, and industrial-scale product development coordinated by the Chinese partner. By integrating the interdisciplinary expertise of both countries, the project contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural technologies aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Expected outcomes include the development of novel endophytic microbial agents and prototype technologies capable of enhancing plant stress resistance. (Consortium budget: HUF 70,000,000)

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Number of months:36

 

Identifier: ADVANCED-153480

Project Title:

A new approach in vine terroir assessment: the role of water retention techniques and soil health

Short Summary:

The objective of this research is to identify and analyse relationships among terroir characteristics, with particular emphasis on soil and climate conditions, vine performance, and the effects of soil cover and inter-row management practices. The study is based on comprehensive investigations conducted across three wine-growing regions with substantially different environmental characteristics.

To achieve this objective, detailed analyses will be undertaken to examine the factors influencing soil water retention capacity and to determine how soil organic matter contributes to maintaining soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient supply through changes in biological processes and microbial communities. The findings are expected to support the development of sustainable viticultural practices that preserve and enhance both soil water-holding capacity and soil organic matter content.

Through these investigations, the project seeks to identify climate change-related stress factors, evaluate the buffering role of soils, and propose mitigation strategies.

Both fundamental and applied research outcomes are expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainable grape production systems.

The project includes a four-year monitoring programme of three vineyards exhibiting distinct terroir characteristics. Different under-vine and inter-row cover management strategies, together with alternative soil management practices, will be compared with respect to their effects on soil water retention, as well as soil chemical and biological properties.

In parallel, vine development and grape must quality will be continuously monitored throughout the study period.

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Number of months:48

 

Identifier: 152171

Project Title:

Polyploidy as a Novel Direction in Rice Breeding: Identification and Evaluation of Complex Stress Tolerance

Short Summary:

The proposal aims to support rice breeding activities in Hungary through the investigation of whole-genome duplication (polyploidisation), a rapidly expanding field of contemporary research. The project seeks to transfer concepts that have long been successfully applied in wheat breeding to rice improvement programmes.

Chinese researchers are internationally recognised leaders in this field and have significantly advanced polyploidy-related research over the past fifteen years. Within breeding material developed by Gabonakutató Ltd. in Szeged, tetraploid genotypes have been identified. The project will conduct detailed investigations into the stress tolerance characteristics of these genotypes in order to better understand their potential value for future breeding programmes.

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Number of months:48

 

Identifier: ADVANCED_25

Project Title:

Environmental fate and ecotoxicological hazards of organic microcontaminants of agricultural origin in crop production and waste utilization systems

Short Summary:

Products generated through intensive agricultural practices may become contaminated with hazardous organic microcontaminants of agricultural origin.

Such contaminants include agrochemicals applied in agricultural production systems to control animals, fungi, and plants that consume, infect, or compete with crops for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients required for biomass production.

Another important source of organic microcontaminants is represented by phytopathogenic fungi, which biosynthesise toxic secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins.

Within the framework of this project, a multidisciplinary approach will be employed to investigate the effects of potential contaminants on soil and plant health under different nutrient replenishment practices, including compost application, sewage sludge utilisation, and related amendments.

The topic will be evaluated from soil science, plant physiology, environmental analytical chemistry, and ecotoxicological perspectives.

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Number of months:48

 

Identifier: 2025-2027-EO AFRICA

Project Title:

STORE  -  Small reservoir STORrage Estimation in the Zambezi Basin

Short Summary:

Small, ungauged reservoirs within the Zambezi basin have unknown storage capacities due to a lack of geospatial data.

This project aims to systematically map ungauged small reservoirs, analyse their bathymetry and sedimentation to estimate water storage capacities, and aggregate data to assess regional water storage potential. An interactive decision support dashboard will integrate real-time reservoir data, hydrological forecasts, agricultural water demand, and climate risk assessments to provide a comprehensive view of the water resources. Methods include remote sensing, field surveys, GIS analysis, and hydrological modelling. Expected results include a map showing the spatial distribution of small ungauged reservoirs, their water storage capacity estimates and improved understanding of water availability across the basin. Monitoring of small reservoiars with Earth Observation in the Zambezi Basin.

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Number of months:15

 

Identifier:

Project Title:

Survey of Areas Covered by Land Improvement Plans – Determination of Priorities for Nationwide Field Surveys and Delineation of Potentially Reactivatable Land Improvement Facilities

Short Summary:

Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture (FgF/247/2021), the National Land Improvement Cadastre was established in 2022. This database contains information on open and closed drainage elements and land improvement interventions located within lowland and hilly agricultural regions.

The spatial database and its associated descriptive datasets provide a strong foundation for the next phase of planned field investigations.

A critical component of the field survey process is preliminary screening, which will identify only those land improvement structures whose assessment is justified because they remain operational or can potentially be restored to operation.

Facilities whose original function has ceased over recent decades, or whose operation is no longer justified due to residential, industrial, or environmental protection considerations, will be excluded from the survey programme.

Start Date:6/1/2025

Due date: 4/30/2026

 
 


Number of months:9

 

Identifier: 2025-1.2.4-TÉT

Project Title:

Investigation of the Presence of Carbamazepine in the Danube River and Lake Balaton, and Assessment of Ecotoxicological Hazards and Exposure-Related Risks for Sensitive Population Groups: Pregnant Women and Newborns

Short Summary:

Carbamazepine is widely recognised in the scientific literature as an emerging contaminant of surface waters. The project focuses on assessing the environmental and human-health risks associated with the presence of this pharmaceutical compound. Systematic monitoring programmes will be conducted to support environmental analytical measurements. Ecotoxicological studies will be performed using aquatic indicator organisms. Ecotoxicological endpoints will include immobilisation in Daphnia magna and biomass production in selected algal species. The results of environmental analytical and ecotoxicological investigations will be integrated into a comprehensive environmental risk assessment framework. The measured carbamazepine (CBZ) concentrations may represent risks not only to aquatic ecosystems but also constitute actual exposure pathways for human populations. A key objective of the project is to address knowledge gaps related to population exposure, health-seeking behaviour, and the potential public-health implications associated with the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments.

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Number of months:24

 

Identifier: EO Africa Call for Research Proposals 2025-2027

Project Title: Fusing UAV and Satellite Data with Machine Learning to Predict Salinity Stress in Irrigated Wheat systems: A Case Study in Amibara, Ethiopia

Short Summary:

The proposed project aims to develop a machine-learning-based methodology capable of monitoring and predicting salinity-induced crop stress using remote-sensing data. Using the Amibara region of Ethiopia as a case study, the project will integrate UAV-derived and satellite-based observations to detect and forecast plant stress associated with increasing soil salinity. The resulting methodology is expected to support precision agricultural management and improve the sustainability of irrigated wheat production systems under salinity stress conditions.

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Number of months:15

 

Identifier: 2025-1.2.7-HU-CN-PARTNER

Project Title: Development and Application of a Rapid Real-Time Detection Technology for Agricultural Chemical and Biological Contaminants

Short Summary:

Agriculturally derived chemical contaminants, such as pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals, together with biological contaminants including mycotoxins, represent significant environmental and food-safety risks. Current analytical methods used to detect contaminants in environmental matrices and food-industry raw materials are often time-consuming and expensive. The objective of this research is to develop an integrated technological platform capable of rapid, real-time, and simultaneous detection of multiple contaminants, including under field conditions. The proposed system will incorporate a multilayer purification column, a thermal desorption–microdroplet ionisation detection unit, and a vehicle-mounted mobile monitoring station. Additional objectives include validation of analytical methodologies and exploration of highly sensitive and cost-effective contaminant detection approaches, including immunoanalytical techniques.a.

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Number of months:24

 

Identifier: NTP-SZKOLL-25-0030

Project Title:

Current Challenges in Water Resources Management

Short Summary:

AThe primary focus of this year’s College for Advanced Studies programme is the examination of current challenges in water resources management. The increasing frequency and severity of drought events require urgent and effective responses, with water retention and efficient water utilisation representing central elements of adaptation strategies. The programme aims to introduce students to regional water-management opportunities, particularly within the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary, which is among the areas most severely affected by drought. To facilitate knowledge exchange, visits have been organised to the Hungarian Hydrological Society and the Lower Tisza District Water Directorate. Professional activities will be complemented by presentations showcasing water-management research methodologies and results from various university research units. Particular attention will be devoted to the highly topical issue of salt contamination originating from the Parajd Salt Mine and its effects in Hungary, including the deterioration of irrigation-water quality. This topic will be presented by a specialist from the Mezőhegyes State Stud Farm.

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Number of months:12

 

Identifier: MATE/2025_26/K University Research Scholarship Programme

Project Title:

Assessment of the Mobility of Potentially Toxic Elements Using Geochemical Indices and Characterisation of Their Spatial Distribution and Temporal Dynamics in the Sediments of the Gödöllő–Isaszeg Fishpond System

Short Summary:

The project aims to evaluate the mobility of potentially toxic elements accumulated in the sediments of the Gödöllő-Isaszeg fishpond system through the application of internationally recognised geochemical indices. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying the environmental factors controlling element mobility, assessing potential ecological risks, and analysing spatial and temporal distribution patterns within the sedimentary environment. The research is expected to contribute to a better understanding of contaminant behaviour in aquatic ecosystems and provide scientific support for sustainable environmental management and monitoring strategies.

Start Date:9/1/2025

Due date: 8/31/2026

 
 


Number of months:12

 

Identifier: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05 two-stage

Project Title: Enhancing Soil Health and Sustainability in Africa through Living Labs and Participatory Approaches

Short Summary:

Soil degradation is a major threat to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in Africa. The HEAL project tackles this challenge by creating a continent-wide innovation ecosystem for soil health, aligned with the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, the AU/FNSSA strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Its main aim is to design, test, and scale participatory solutions that restore soil functions, strengthen land management, and deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. HEAL will set up at least 12 Living Labs across diverse African contexts, engaging farmers, communities, researchers, SMEs, NGOs, and policymakers in co-developing soil restoration strategies tailored to local needs. These Labs will act as real-world spaces for experimentation, peer learning, and capacity building, addressing critical soil challenges such as carbon depletion, acidification, erosion, and low water retention. Each will serve both as a testing ground for innovation and a hub for knowledge exchange, ensuring solutions are grounded in local realities while scalable across regions. A scalable Toolbox for Soil Monitoring and Assessment will integrate Earth Observation services, machine learning, low-cost sensors, and optimised sampling into a coherent system. At its centre, the TerraAfrica Hub will serve as a continental digital observatory interoperable with the EU Soil Observatory, harmonising multi-source datasets and providing advanced decision-support tools. Impact and sustainability will be secured through the Soil Health Academy for training, the African Soil Health Living Labs Network for replication, and innovative financing models and business strategies to mobilise investment. By combining scientific innovation with inclusive engagement, the project will deliver measurable soil improvements, enhance food security, create economic opportunities, and directly advance the Soil Mission objectives.

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Number of months:48

 

Identifier: 2025-1.2.5-EU_KP_AUSO

Project Title:

Establishment of an International Consortium for the African Union Soil Observatory Project

Short Summary:

Within the framework of this EU-KP proposal, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) seeks to establish a scientifically outstanding international consortium involving universities, organisations, and companies possessing recognised expertise in the thematic area of the Horizon Europe HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01 call.

The primary objective is to assemble a consortium capable of successfully implementing the African Union Soil Observatory project at the highest scientific and professional standards. Key activities include active participation in scientific planning through regular online consortium meetings, substantial contributions to the preparation of the Horizon Europe proposal, development of the overall project budget, and continuous coordination with project partners. The project also includes monitoring developments within the Horizon Europe programme and, in the event of funding success, initiating the timely organisation and implementation of project activities.

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Identifier: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-11

Project Title:

SALI – Safeguarding Agriculture and Land from Increasing Salinity

Short Summary:

MATE’s contribution is central to the project, acting both as a Soil Science Partner and Pilot Hosting Partner. In particular, MATE is responsible for leading: • WP9 – Task 9.1: Soil Profile Monitoring and Na-Spiking Experiments In addition, MATE actively contributes to several other work packages and tasks, including: • WP4 – T4.1 (Inventory of Existing Datasets and Development of a Common Terminology), T4.2 (Identification of Drivers and Development of Indicators for Soil Salinisation) • WP5 – T5.1 (Harmonisation of Monitoring Protocols and Laboratory Methods) • WP6 – T6.1 (Soil Sampling Campaign and Laboratory Analysis) • WP7–8 – T7.1 (Controlled Field Experimental Pilots) • WP9 – T9.1 (Soil Profile Monitoring and Na-Spiking Experiments) • WP10 – T10.1 (Remote Sensing Techniques for Soil Salinity Monitoring), T10.2 (Proximal and In Situ Sensing for Soil Salinity Monitoring) • WP11 – T11.1 (Open-Access Soil Salinity Database), T11.2 (EU Soil Salinity Dashboard), T11.3 (Continuous Updating of Salinity Risk Maps and Scenario Projections) Through these responsibilities, MATE ensures a strong scientific and practical contribution to the project’s objectives, supporting both the research dimension and the pilot implementation

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Number of months:60

 

Identifier: Danube Region Programme SO 2.2

Project Title:

Soil-Water-Farming Resilience for Drought-Prepared Rural Danube Regions: Dryland/Wetland

Short Summary:

Water shortage and drought are increasingly shaping the daily lives of people in rural areas across the Danube Basin. Depending on the scale on countries public administration system applies, there are around 10.000 rural villages or small settlements in the Danube Basin. Many rural residents are directly involved in farming or have close ties to local agriculture, while the well-being of rural communities is intertwined with the health of local nature and soils. The EU is actively promoting sustainable and circular food systems through initiatives like the Farm to Fork Strategy of the Food 2030, which encourages local food systems and short supply chains with sustainable farming practices. Maintaining the quality of soil would also support this initiative.  Severe droughts can create near-catastrophic situations requiring emergency support, but our project focuses on building long-term drought resilience in rural areas, helping communities become less vulnerable and adapt better to increasingly dry conditions.   Groundwater and surface water are deeply connected throughout the Danube Basin. When groundwater levels decline—due to overuse, climate change, or river regulation—it can reduce river flow and harm wetlands and ecosystems. Since the Danube flows across multiple countries, these impacts don’t stop at borders. This highlights the urgent need for integrated water resource management that considers both surface and groundwater as a single system. Protecting groundwater is not just a local issue—it is essential for the long-term health of the entire Danube River and the communities that depend on it.

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Number of months:36

 

Identifier: Biodiversa+

Project Title: Digital Twin - Assisted Restiration of Forest Ecosystems on Sandy Landscapes - FORSAND

Short Summary:

This project develops an advanced Digital Twin (DT) system to support the restoration of sandy-soil ecosystems, particularly forests in regions like the Danube Delta, affected by climate change. The DT integrates real-time data from IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and advanced modeling to simulate and predict the dynamics of water, soil, and vegetation. It offers a dynamic, data-driven representation of natural systems to optimize restoration strategies, focusing on water resource conservation, and biodiversity. The system uses machine learning, hybrid hydrological-ecological models, and AI to evaluate and refine restoration scenarios for sustainable forest management and climate resilience. By ensuring continuous updates through data assimilation and real-time monitoring, the project provides actionable insights to support adaptive management and policy decisions, fostering scalable and replicable restoration efforts across Europe.

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Number of months:36

 

Identifier: MTA Visiting Researcher Programme (358/2025/KP)

Project Title:

Monitoring Quantitative and Compositional Changes in Soil Organic Matter

Short Summary:

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) has launched a competitive funding programme designed to strengthen the international competitiveness of Hungarian research groups through the involvement of internationally recognised foreign researchers holding advanced scientific qualifications.

The programme supports collaborative research activities conducted at institutions belonging to the Hungarian Research Network, Hungarian higher-education institutions, research units operating within such institutions, and public collections or public institutions engaged in research activities within their designated fields.

Visiting researchers may participate in collaborative projects across all scientific disciplines for periods ranging from three to six months. To support the Visiting Researcher Programme in 2026, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences intends to allocate HUF 100 million from the budgetary resources provided under Act LXIX of 2025 on Hungary’s Central Budget for 2026. Subject to the availability of additional funding, the allocated budget may be further increased.

The programme is specifically intended to support collaborative research activities and does not provide funding for institutional visits, conference participation, or lecture series organised in Hungary. Selected visiting researchers will participate in the work of host research groups through employment contracts, public-service employment arrangements, or contractual service agreements.

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Number of months:6