Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress.
Speaking at a ceremonial assembly in Budapest, Sulyok said the Academy's mission remains vital in tackling modern challenges. "Solving the problems and uncovering the beauty of the 21st century lies in the hands of our scientists," he said.
He also highlighted the symbolic importance of the institution, founded in 1825 through a donation by Count Istvan Szechenyi, and expressed confidence in the future of Hungarian science.
MTA President Tamas Freund opened the event with a reflection on the Academy's history. He praised Hungarian researchers, including Nobel laureates, but voiced concern over limited input in education and research reforms. He stressed that science should serve the whole nation.
Minister of Culture and Innovation Balazs Hanko supported the call to make science more visible in public life. He noted that 2025 and 2026 have been declared the "Years of Hungarian Science" to promote achievements and inspire public engagement.
One of the oldest national academies in Central Europe, the MTA was founded to advance the Hungarian language and scholarship. Anniversary events include public lectures, exhibitions, and conferences with Nobel laureates. ■
Tamas Freund, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), speaks during the MTA's ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Tamas Freund, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), speaks during the MTA's ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Balazs Hanko, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) is seen in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) is seen in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)