HUN-REN research network faces restructuring and leadership changes

The Hungarian government is planning a restructuring of the HUN-REN Research Network, which involves amending laws to integrate the network more closely with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA). Under the proposed changes, the government will appoint representatives to the network's Board of Directors.

Amidst these changes, political tensions have emerged regarding leadership. Péter Horváth, the State Secretary for science policy and innovation, stated that the ministry does not see guaranteed cooperation under the current president and CEO. He proposed András Stipsicz for a transitional leadership role, a move supported by the network's Board of Directors and Supervisory Board. Horváth emphasized that paying bonuses to current leaders would be unethical and denied any negotiations regarding severance packages.

HUN-REN has addressed claims of a communication breakdown between its leadership and research institutions, labeling such assertions as unfounded. The organization maintains that communication remains constant and regular across its various organizational units and research institutes.