University of Debrecen rejoins European mobility and research programmes as a full member
The University of Debrecen has symbolically reinstated the European Union flag, marking its return as a full member of European mobility and scientific programmes. In early November, three doctoral students from the University of Debrecen will already be representing the institution at an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme and hackathon organised by the NeurotechEU European University Alliance.
Zoltán Bács, Rector of the University of Debrecen, highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating that it is a great achievement that students, lecturers and universities can once again participate in Erasmus+ mobility and Horizon Europe research programmes, benefit from funding opportunities, and regain access to international learning, teaching and professional development experiences. He also emphasised that the University of Debrecen can once again welcome European students, as it has continued to do in recent years.
The university leader added that the reopening of access to EU funding could also give new momentum to the development of educational, research and innovation infrastructure. This includes investments in energy efficiency, which are among the university’s strategic priorities, as well as expanding dormitory capacity and constructing new student accommodation facilities.
Attila Jenei, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, spoke about the considerable efforts made in recent years to maintain the university’s international institutional partnerships.
“We are delighted that Erasmus+ and Horizon programmes have once again opened up funding opportunities and new possibilities for our students and researchers. This decision, which brings an end to a situation caused by prolonged political turbulence, not only ensures the continuity of mobility programmes but is also of fundamental importance to the university’s international strategy. Our aim is to provide students and researchers with opportunities to gain international experience at the highest possible level,” the Vice-Rector for International Affairs stated.
The Erasmus+ programme grant agreement has already been sent to the University of Debrecen by the Tempus Public Foundation, allowing international mobility activities under the programme to begin.
“Based on this agreement, our university has secured funding for 340 mobility activities in the 2026/27 academic year. Most Erasmus+ mobility activities are expected to take place through study-abroad programmes in the spring semester of the 2026/27 academic year, as well as summer internships. However, following the signing of the grant agreement on 22 October, international mobility activities can already begin,” explained Orsolya Jánosy, Director of the University of Debrecen’s Centre for International Relations.
She added that the first students would be able to travel abroad in early November as part of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Further Erasmus+ mobility opportunities are already available, while scholarship applications for the following academic year are expected to be announced in February.
Ferenc Kun, Vice-President for Scientific Affairs at the University of Debrecen, explained that, beyond student and staff mobility, Erasmus+ also supports innovation partnerships. These include joint curriculum development, knowledge transfer and university-business collaborations, particularly through the Alliances for Innovation initiative. Such programmes primarily aim to develop the skills and partnerships needed to foster innovation.
“In addition, international research consortium projects under Horizon Europe, European Research Council (ERC) grants supporting outstanding researchers in conducting independent, pioneering research and establishing research teams, international doctoral networks, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie programmes supporting the recruitment of postdoctoral researchers and international research experience will once again become accessible to our institution. The EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator programmes, which support the utilisation and commercialisation of research results, will also be available,” the Vice-President for Scientific Affairs explained.
He also noted that, over the past three years, the University of Debrecen had participated in the NeurotechEU project as an associated partner due to the Council decision. However, the university hopes to regain its status as a full partner in the project’s next phase, scheduled to begin in 2027, and once again contribute fully to achieving its objectives.
The European Union flag was placed on the university’s Main Building by Abigél Péter, President of Erasmus Student Network Debrecen, together with Vice-Presidents Tibor Rózsa and Boróka Mihály.
(unideb.hu)