Declaration of the Presidium of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences regretfully acknowledges the fact that despite the undivided disapproval of the Hungarian and international scientific communities and the researchers of the Academy, the Hungarian Parliament has passed the law “On the amendment of laws to transform the structure and financing of the research, development and innovation system”. After the enactment of the new law the oldest, most reputable and internationally recognized scientific organization of the country will be deprived from its research network. This decision is especially disappointing because it has been made without any meaningful criticism or a legitimate government strategy on the new research system.

True to its responsibilities towards the advancement of Hungarian science, the Academy will continue to do everything in its power to represent the interests of science and to stand up for academic freedom and the integrity of science even after the law comes into force.

It is among the public duties of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences to evaluate the work of science performing organizations and individual researchers in Hungary and to promote the establishment of new research areas. The Academy will continue its work for the popularization of science, the inclusion of new scientific results in education, and will remain a major actor in the field of science diplomacy.

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences is the representative of Hungarian science. It connects Hungarian scientists from all over the world by its regional committees and external membership in its public association. The Academy is a common platform for researchers at universities, research institutes and industrial sites. It provides a forum for researchers in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to represent and discuss their scientific opinions, methods or concepts and coordinates the evaluation of scientific achievements and performance at the highest level.

The Hungarian Academy of Sciences will always remain true to the spirit of its founder, István Széchenyi.