The Governing Board of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network has authorised the leaders of HUN-REN Headquarters to begin consultation with the government regarding HUN-Ren’s new operational environment, and the modernisation of the organisation. A three-member delegation has been appointed for this task, comprising Balázs Gulyás, President, Roland Jakab, CEO, and Gábor Szabó, member of the Governing Board. The Board also supports and mandates these leaders to fully represent the research network's interests during the government talks on HUN-REN's restructuring.
The decision came following a statement by Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation on the reinforcement of support for excellence-based and impact-driven research in Hungary at HUN-REN’s workshop held on 25 September. He affirmed the government's reliance on HUN-REN’s research capacity and knowledge base, noting that modernising the organisation is in the best interests of Hungarian economy and society.
The Board's decision was made after a detailed report from President Balázs Gulyás on the position expressed by the Minister of Culture and Innovation on September 25, 2024, which also indicated the government’s openness to discussing HUN-REN's proposals and further strengthening research excellence. The resolution of the Governing Board was also preceded by a letter addressed to President Balázs Gulyás from the Advisory Board of HUN-REN, composed of distinguished international experts. In this letter, the Board commends the performance of the research network and urges the establishment of stable, long-term, performance-based funding as well as the development of an effective, flexible, efficient, and modern scientific organisation. Following both aforementioned, the Governing Board granted its authorisation to enter into negotiations with the government.
The delegation will keep the Governing Board and internal stakeholders of the entire research network informed on the progress and results of talks with the government.