Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

About

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) is one of Hungary’s leading institutions of higher education in agriculture. In line with its strategic objectives, the University is committed to advancing a sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible agricultural sector through excellence in research, education, and innovation.

The Institute conducts internationally recognized research for sustainable livestock production, including animal and nutritional physiology, animal health and One Health, feed and food safety, precision animal feeding and nutrition. Its research integrates fundamental and applied approaches and is supported by advanced laboratory facilities, experimental animal units, and extensive national and international collaborations with universities, research organizations, and industrial partners.

One of the Institute’s flagship research activities is the HUN-REN–MATE Mycotoxins in the Food Chain Research Group, established with priority funding from the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN). For more than two decades, the group has investigated the individual and combined toxicological effects of mycotoxins, making significant contributions to feed and food safety, risk assessment, and animal health.

The Institute is actively involved in numerous national and international research projects, focusing on innovative solutions to improve animal health, production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and food quality. Current research areas include precision feeding, artificial intelligence and Big Data applications in livestock production, nutritional programming, biomarkers of animal health and welfare, and the interactions among nutrition, metabolism, the microbiome, and host physiology. These activities contribute to the development of science-based decision-support systems and promote the implementation of digital technologies in modern livestock farming.

Education is an integral part of the Institute’s mission. The Institute contributes to undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate specialist, and doctoral programmes across the University and coordinates the MSc programme in Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety Engineering, ensuring that research outcomes are effectively translated into higher education and professional practice.

Mission

To serve as an internationally recognized multidisciplinary centre of excellence in animal physiology, animal nutrition, and related life sciences by generating scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and developing practical solutions that support sustainable livestock production, food safety, animal welfare, and societal well-being.

Vision

To be a leading European research and innovation centre that advances the future of sustainable livestock production through interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and the development of science-based solutions integrating nutrition, health, precision technologies, and digital agriculture.

MATE in the Animal Task Force

Within the Animal Task Force, MATE is represented by the Institute of Physiology and Nutrition. In accordance with the University’s strategic priorities, the Institute contributes to addressing the current and future challenges of livestock production through cutting-edge research, knowledge transfer, innovation, and higher education, while supporting the sustainable and competitive development of the agricultural sector. With a staff of more than 50 researchers, lecturers, and technical specialists, the Institute is Hungary’s largest academic centre dedicated to animal nutrition and nutritional physiology.