Statement by the SAS Presidium on the Central European University in Budapest
13. 4. 2017 | 2234 visits
The Presidium of the Slovak Academy of Sciences is closely watching the situation that has arisen following the adoption of the amendment to the Higher Education Act by the Hungarian Parliament and raises questions in particular regarding further activities of the Central European University (CEU) in Budapest.
According to ratings of various academic agencies, CEU ranks among the best universities in Central and Eastern Europe, ranked 39th among "young" universities under 50 years old by the Times Higher Education ranking. Many SAS scientists have either studied at the CEU or cooperated with its experts. From the SAV point of view, we mainly observe the research activities and results of this institution, and can only express the recognition and respect which is mirrored by assessments and evaluations of them by the international scientific community and agencies. The founding of CEU, its pedagogical and research work has been and is currently being revived in the Central European Space, bringing progressive elements as well as stimulating and inspirational strength to our research.
The SAS presidium believes that a consensus can be found through negotiation and the plenary steps of the competent authorities of both the Republic of Hungary and the CEU to allow further uninterrupted function of the CEU in Budapest. The departure of this prestigious institution from this region would be considered a great loss to both education and research. The SAS Presidium supports this statement of expressions of support and solidarity with the CEU, as expressed by representatives of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, as well as a number of other universities and scientific institutions in Hungary and abroad.
According to ratings of various academic agencies, CEU ranks among the best universities in Central and Eastern Europe, ranked 39th among "young" universities under 50 years old by the Times Higher Education ranking. Many SAS scientists have either studied at the CEU or cooperated with its experts. From the SAV point of view, we mainly observe the research activities and results of this institution, and can only express the recognition and respect which is mirrored by assessments and evaluations of them by the international scientific community and agencies. The founding of CEU, its pedagogical and research work has been and is currently being revived in the Central European Space, bringing progressive elements as well as stimulating and inspirational strength to our research.
The SAS presidium believes that a consensus can be found through negotiation and the plenary steps of the competent authorities of both the Republic of Hungary and the CEU to allow further uninterrupted function of the CEU in Budapest. The departure of this prestigious institution from this region would be considered a great loss to both education and research. The SAS Presidium supports this statement of expressions of support and solidarity with the CEU, as expressed by representatives of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, as well as a number of other universities and scientific institutions in Hungary and abroad.