Research Universities: T.B.A. Soon

The aim of the proposal is to create elite universities which stand above mass education. Research universities, first introduced in Germany, employ their (ideally significant) research results in education as well as lay emphasis on international co-operation and talent development.

As of the January 29 deadline, the following 12 universities submitted their proposals for the title: Eötvös Lóránd University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Semmelweis University, University of Szeged, University of Pécs, University of Miskolc, Szent István University, University of Pannonia, University of West Hungary, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, and the University of Debrecen.

'A university has two principal tasks: training and scientific research' said Rector László Fésüs. 'Though quality education is essential, international recognition comes with scientific achievements. Publications in prestigious periodicals, inventions, innovations, scientific awards and grants are the real indicators of quality. In a global perspective, universities are ranked according to these factors.'

'We are not going to ignore education, but we are planning some serious investments and re-organizations concerning research and development. These innovations are necessary for us to become an internationally recognized research university. This was the primary reason why we have submitted our proposal for the title and the accompanying subsidy.'

'Results will be made public on March 10, 2010, on the eve of the Austro-Hungarian Bologna conference organized in Budapest' said Zsolt Varga, director of scientific affairs at UD. Winners will be entitled to use the title 'research university' for 3 years, but that does not carry any financial support. A separate proposal must be submitted for the subsidy, 12 billion HUF of which will go to universities in the capital, 15 billion to institutions outside Budapest.