Our institute has a history spanning more than half a century, built on a strong foundation of professional dedication, scientific excellence, and openness to innovation. Our roots trace back to the Department of Botany and Zoology founded in 1953, which played a key role in establishing the biological foundations of our field. The structural transformation in 1964 marked the beginning of a new era, when botanical and plant physiological research gained independent direction, laying the groundwork for the institute’s future development.
Over the decades, our institute has been shaped by outstanding scientists whose work left a lasting impact not only through their research but also through their school-forming activities. From classical botany and plant physiology to agrobotany, experimental ecology, and plant breeding, these contributions have established our institute as a leading center of agricultural sciences in Hungary.
Our mission is to preserve and further develop this rich heritage. Our research focuses on a complex and integrated approach to plant sciences: alongside classical botany and plant physiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and applied research play a defining role. Our goal is to ensure that our results not only appear in scientific publications but are also applied in practice, contributing to the development of sustainable and competitive agriculture.
Our scientific compass is guided by the legacy of two outstanding Hungarian scientists: Albert Szent-Györgyi (Figure 1) and Károly Ereky (Figure 2). Their scientific thinking, innovative mindset, and belief in the practical application of science serve as an example in our daily work.
Through our international collaborations and modern research infrastructure, we create an inspiring scientific environment where research continuously evolves. A key objective of our institute is to build strong partnerships with national and international researchers, as well as to foster cooperation with industrial and scientific stakeholders.
An integral part of our mission is to expand the boundaries of agricultural sciences by engaging in one of the most dynamic fields of the future: space research. Through our activities in space biology and applied plant sciences, we aim to establish connections with leading researchers worldwide and to work together on shaping the future of agriculture, as well as ensuring sustainable and efficient food production for future astronauts.
We believe that the values of our past serve as a compass for our future. Our mission is not only to preserve traditions but to reinterpret and enrich them with new perspectives. We are driven by the goal of guiding our rich heritage toward a future where our visions become reality—serving an innovative, sustainable, and knowledge-based agriculture both on Earth and beyond.
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| Figure 1 Albert Szent-György, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist | Figure 2 Károly Ereky, "father" of biotechnology |