HETFA KUTATOINTEZET KFT

Their core work

HETFA is a Budapest-based private research institute specializing in science communication, public engagement with research, and promoting researchers' careers — particularly among women and young people. They design and run edutainment campaigns that make scientific careers attractive to the general public, using media, social platforms, and cultural events. Their work bridges the gap between the research community and society, with a strong focus on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and STEM/STEAM outreach.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2014-2017), HETFA focused broadly on researcher career attractiveness, international mobility, gender, and lifelong learning — a general science outreach framing. From 2018 onward, their work sharpened toward STEM/STEAM education, cultural heritage connections, citizen involvement, and mission-oriented research impact. The shift reflects a move from promoting research careers in general to engaging the public in the societal relevance and real-world missions of science.

HETFA is moving toward mission-oriented public engagement and citizen science framing, making them a strong fit for Horizon Europe projects that require societal impact and public involvement components.

How they like to work

HETFA has participated exclusively as a partner, never as a coordinator, across all four projects. They work within the same recurring FAWORIT consortium, suggesting a tight, loyal partnership structure rather than a broad networking approach. This makes them a reliable, low-risk partner for science communication work packages — they know their role and deliver consistently within established teams.

HETFA has worked with only 5 unique consortium partners, all within a single country collaboration context, indicating a small, tight-knit network built around the recurring FAWORIT project series rather than a broad European presence.

What sets them apart

HETFA combines research policy expertise with hands-on media and edutainment production — an unusual mix for a private research institute. Their four consecutive FAWORIT project editions (2014-2021) demonstrate sustained EU trust and proven delivery in science-society engagement. For any consortium needing a Hungarian partner with deep experience in public engagement, RRI, and gender-in-science communication, HETFA is a well-tested choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FAWORIT 2016-2017
  Highest single-project funding (EUR 48,825) and the edition that introduced women in science and societal challenges as explicit themes.
• FAWORIT 2018-2019
  Marked a strategic pivot to STEM/STEAM education and cultural heritage, broadening the series beyond career promotion into deeper public engagement.