National Research Excellence Programme (NKKP)

NKKP EXCELLENCE_26 — Excellence Research Projects

Supports fundamental research excellence in Hungary through flagship programs for established scholars.

EXCELLENCE_26 is the general-excellence track of Hungary's National Research Excellence Programme (NKKP — Nemzeti Kutatási Kiválósági Program), launched by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) as the direct successor to the long-running OTKA research grant system. NKFIH announced the renewal in 2025/2026, backing the full NKKP suite with a combined HUF 40 billion budget envelope for 2026–2030, of which EXCELLENCE_26 is the flagship sub-programme targeting outstanding fundamental research at Hungarian institutions. The programme operates under the John von Neumann Programme strategic framework, which aims to place Hungary among the top 25 most innovative countries by 2030.

ELIGIBLITY_26 awards up to HUF 160 million per project over a fixed 48-month duration, with projects starting 1 January 2027. Experimental research projects may claim an optional 25% top-up specifically for material costs, raising the effective ceiling above the base figure. Lead researchers must be affiliated with a Hungarian university or recognized research organization; for-profit companies are not eligible. The submission deadline for the 2026 cycle is 8 September 2026 at 16:00, with electronic applications submitted via the palyazat.gov.hu unified portal — applicants must register on that platform before the deadline.

EXCELLENCE_26 sits at the top of the NKKP competitive hierarchy alongside HIGHLIGHT_26 (the highest-ceiling track) and competes for a shared HUF 40 billion envelope with five other sub-programmes. Strong publication records, clear scientific objectives, and demonstrated institutional infrastructure are the expected differentiators in evaluation. Researchers with active OTKA grants should review transition provisions, as NKKP was explicitly designed as a continuation vehicle for that lineage of competitive fundamental research funding in Hungary.