SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 1. 4. Collaboration for SDG best practice - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 1. 4. Collaboration for SDG best practice
Last modified: 24. November 2025
1.4. Collaboration for SDG best practice
MATE engages in international research collaborations to identify and evaluate effective approaches for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By reviewing comparative strategies from different countries and sectors, the university contributes to the development and dissemination of international best practices, supporting more efficient and impactful sustainability initiatives globally.
AQUASERV
The project entitles „Research Services for the Blue Economy” project enables MATE’s Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety to participate in an international consortium dedicated to strengthening aquaculture, fisheries, thus contributing sustainable water-treatment research across Europe. Over five years, the initiative integrates and develops research capacities—facilities, equipment, and scientific expertise—while offering transnational and virtual access to advanced infrastructures. By supporting key EU priorities including Sustainable Blue Economy, and the European Green Deal, AQUASERV promotes innovation in areas ranging from aquatic ecosystem health to water-quality management.
https://akvakultura.uni-mate.hu/aquaserve
REPurpose project
Relating to plastic waste reduction, the project aims to upcycle local post-consumer plastic waste into high-value, multifunctional thermoplastic elastomers using a Safe- and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approach. By combining enzymatic recycling with bio-based building blocks, the team is developing polymers that are endlessly recyclable, controllably degradable, and free from toxic additives. The project integrates a full value chain—from waste handlers and recyclers to technology developers and end users—in sectors such as consumer goods, construction, and automotive. As a Horizon Europe initiative, it promotes circular economy principles and innovation in sustainable materials. MATE’s Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety contributes by conducting complex ecotoxicological assessments of the new materials.
https://akvakultura.uni-mate.hu/repurpose
https://www.repurposeproject.eu/
LEAP4FNSSA project
LEAP4FNSSA is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) aimed at creating a sustainable European-African partnership for research and innovation in Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA). It fosters synergies, knowledge sharing, and long-term collaboration through institutional alliances and project clusters. The project, strengthens European-African cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) and establishes a sustainable co-funding mechanism.
https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/en/leap4fnssa
Cooperation with the Republic of Chad
The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) has launched a significant agricultural development program in Chad, focusing on agriculture while impacting technology, industry, energy, infrastructure, education, and security. The initiative includes a model farm and knowledge transfer centre, supported by MATE's partnership with the Chadian Ministry of Agriculture. MATE also provided advanced training to 28 Chadian researchers on livestock breeding. This program aligns with Hungarian-Chadian cooperation and includes scholarship opportunities for Chadian students at Hungarian universities.
MATE continues its agricultural development and expert training program in Chad, collaborating with local partners to advance livestock and crop management, knowledge transfer, and sustainable farming practices. Following the 2023 training, MATE has focused on genetic improvement and conservation of local animal breeds, assessing feed resources, and applying appropriate cultivation techniques for indigenous plants. Special attention is given to camel husbandry, milk utilization, and disease monitoring, with plans to establish Africa’s first dedicated camel farm and develop camel milk products for domestic use and potential export. The program also explores functional food production using local fruits and vegetables to support communities, schools, and refugee camps. Collaboration with the Chadian Food Quality Control Center (CECOQDA) ensures compliance with food safety standards while identifying further training and research opportunities.
Kenyan demonstration farm
The project supports MATE’s efforts to operate and develop a demonstration farm in Kenya in partnership with local institutions. The project funds experimental plots where Hungarian vegetable and forage seed varieties—such as millet, sorghum, corn, melon, pepper, cucumber, and processing tomato—are tested for competitiveness and yield under Kenyan conditions. MATE experts conduct frequent visits for technical support and to help build market connections, while also assessing local breeding practices in collaboration with Kenyan research centers. Through this initiative, promising Hungarian plant varieties may be registered locally, contributing to both agricultural innovation and local development.
https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/en/nkaf_270_2024
MATE's first training location outside Europe
In October 2024, MATE reached a historic milestone by launching its first non-European training centre in Azerbaijan. The announcement was made by MATE and International Director during their visit, where they signed three major partnership agreements with the Azerbaijani government, academic, and corporate leaders. Initially, the centre will offer short-term, English‑language agrarian courses for both local and international students, with plans to expand later to master’s and adult education programmes. This expansion is part of MATE Global’s strategy to extend the university’s reach beyond its Hungarian campuses and European territories.