First Graduation Ceremony of the National Academy of Scientist Education (NASE) High School Programme Held at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

On the first Sunday of July 2025, the National Academy of Scientist Education (NASE), in collaboration with the Academia Europaea Budapest Knowledge Hub and the Ministry for Culture and Innovation held its first-ever graduation ceremony for high school students in the prestigious ceremonial hall of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest.

The event celebrated the achievements of students participating in NASE’s expanding training programme, launched in 2012 (Nature Medicine, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03315-w). As explained by Programme Director Péter Hegyi, the initiative aims to spark scientific curiosity at an early age and support the development of critical thinking and scientific reasoning, essential skills in the 21st century for any future physician, veterinarian, or health professional.

In the 2024/25 academic year, nearly 1500 students participated in the programme. Diplomas were awarded in three levels:

• Bronze: for those who completed at least 6 laboratory trainings and attended scientific lectures and Nobel Laureate meetings;
• Silver: for students with 10 trainings and additional clinical exposure;
• Gold: for those with 20 trainings, clinical immersion, and participation in English-language scientific education.

This year, 393 students earned the bronze diploma, 168 the silver, and 96 the gold. Over 300 of them attended the ceremony in person to receive their certificates. From 2024 onwards, several leading Hungarian universities began awarding extra admission points to students who complete the programme.

The ceremony included inspiring speeches from national academic and political leaders. Minister Balázs Hankó highlighted Hungary's historic contributions to science and innovation, while Deputy Secretary László Bódis emphasized the importance of nurturing resilience and problem-solving in young minds. Dean Péter Nyirády expressed his gratitude to the students, teachers, and families, and encouraged continued perseverance in both study and research.

In her address, State Secretary Veronika Varga-Bajusz underlined the programme's strategic value for Hungary’s scientific future, noting that global competition for talent begins long before university, and that NASE offers an attractive alternative to international pathways for talented youth. The programme, she said, embodies the belief that scientific excellence starts in secondary school.

The ceremony concluded with a piano performance by Liang Jinyun, a gifted young musician and student at the Bartók Béla Conservatory. She was later presented with a certificate of recognition by Minister Hankó and Prof. András Varró, the chairman of the NASE’s Board of Trustees.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Péter Hegyi reflected on the transformative power of science education:

“Educating the next generation is the most noble mission an adult can undertake. None of this would be possible without the tireless work of teachers, parents, and mentors. This programme is built on their unwavering support and shared vision.”

Notably, the Academia Europaea Budapest Knowledge Hub played a pivotal role in the programme’s development and delivery, offering strategic coordination, mentorship, and academic endorsement. The programme builds upon the pedagogical philosophy outlined in the 2024 Nature Medicine publication. In addition, the programme enjoys the enthusiastic support of Academia Europaea Nobel Laureates, who have actively participated in exclusive seminars with NASE students. These sessions, which formed part of the Nobel Lecture Series organized by the AE Budapest Hub.