Our research focus is the integration of data acquired by UAV and satellite remote sensing, proximal soil sensing and spectroscopic technologies into the workflow of precision farming. Our main interest is the development of statistically sound soil sampling strategies based on the derived information on the plot-scale soil heterogeneity and the support of the soil related analytical data collection by using laboratory and spectroscopic technologies. We are working with remote sensed data of the Sentinel and Landsat programs, interested in the three-dimensional variability of elemental composition of soils using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology, and dedicated to facilitate the determination of key soil physical and chemical soil properties in a cost and environment friendly way by using visible-near infrared (VIS-NIR) and middle-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. We are cooperating with universities, research institutions and farmers in order to develop scientifically sound and tested methods. We are/were partners in numerous EU H2020 projects aiming the establishment of the the foundation of functional soil management (LANDMARK), the support of the the Long-term Europe-Africa Research and Innovation Partnership for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (LEAP4FNSSA) and the establishment of the Soil Information System for Africa (Soils4Africa).

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), the former Szent István University is one of the largest agriculture-focused universities in Europe.

MATE's long tradition of research and innovation lays the foundation for the high level of educational and institutional excellence. Over 450 members of the university's staff hold academic degrees of PhD or higher. The experts of tomorrow should seek a tri-fold balance ‒ viable environment, living landscape and healthy food ‒ to achieve sustainability and quality in the fields of agricultural production. Our degree programs are offered in a wide variety of subjects ranging from agricultural, environmental and food sciences, horticulture, viticulture, oenology, water and renewable energy management, landscape architecture and mechanical engineering to rural development, economics and social sciences. Programmes are available at all level from bachelor to PhD.

International relations

MATE understands the importance of internationalization and promotes a variety of international activities. With partners on almost every continent (over 250 active bilateral agreements with partner universities in nearly 60 countries), MATE students and staff can operate on a global scale to gain and share the essential knowledge for success in the globalized world. We see this as the cornerstone for a more secure future and are proud to be a vital part of it.

Major strategic areas

Teaching and research of food source production • Food quality and safety • Water as strategic resource • Soil protection and conservation • Protection and sustainability of nature and environment • Energy security • Architecture in agricultural sector