HUN-REN Joins Lawsuit Against Academic Property Transfer as an Interested Party

Statement by the President

04.03.2025

The mission of the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) is to enhance the efficiency of Hungarian research, strengthen Hungary’s competitiveness, and expand its contribution to scientific progress. The ongoing renewal of HUN-REN presents a historic opportunity to accelerate the application of Hungarian scientific achievements and innovations, enabling more effective responses to economic and societal challenges.

The renewal of HUN-REN is built on three pillars: (1) the status law adopted in December 2024 provides a flexible operational framework for the research network to carry out its activities; (2) responsible management of its assets; and (3) securing operational and development resources through a long-term, performance-based public task financing agreement.

Without these conditions, HUN-REN cannot fulfil its responsibilities as outlined in the autonomous status law.

HUN-REN considers the decision of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on 11 December 2024 – which accepted the government’s offer regarding the Academy’s properties – a milestone for the sustainable operation and development of the research network. Following this decision, the National Assembly adopted the HUN-REN Act in light of the Academy’s General Assembly decision, and the Government has made its position clear: increased funding will be provided to the newly established HUN-REN under a performance-based public task financing agreement.

Therefore, any delay in the transfer of the properties obstructs the establishment of the new HUN-REN, hindering the effective work of the researchers and employees within the network, as well as the associated salary increases.

Transferring property ownership to HUN-REN is essential to ensuring the long-term stability of the research network and enabling significant infrastructure improvements, which are crucial for creating the conditions necessary for internationally competitive scientific research.

As the resolution of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences remains valid and legally binding, HUN-REN expects the Academy’s leadership to implement it in accordance with applicable legislation.

To protect the interests of the research network, HUN-REN has joined the lawsuit challenging the decision of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ General Assembly as an interested party.