Hungary Terminates HUF 261 Billion Contract with Ferenc Krausz Foundation
Hungary’s new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has terminated a HUF 261.7 billion research funding contract with Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz’s Élvonal Foundation. The administration demands the refund of HUF 22 billion already disbursed, criticizing the deal signed by the previous Orbán government as lacking democratic oversight. This decision highlights significant political tension regarding scientific independence and public spending accountability. While canceling the agreement, the government signaled continued support for science by appointing another Nobel laureate, Katalin Karikó, as a health advisor.
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Nobel Laureate Ferenc Krausz Requests Full Audit of Foundation After Contract Termination
Nobel Prize-winning researcher Ferenc Krausz has issued an open letter to Péter Magyar following the new Hungarian government's decision to terminate a HUF 261.7 billion contract with his Élvonal Foundation. The contract, originally signed by former Minister Balázs Hankó shortly before the elections, was canceled by Science and Technology Minister Zoltán Tanác, who argued that funding a foundation managed by a narrow circle creates an unacceptable parallel system lacking democratic oversight. Krausz responded by stating he learned of the cancellation via social media and rejected the characterization of his foundation as a parallel structure. Instead, he described Élvonal as a unique scientific and talent management model designed to cooperate with existing Hungarian research systems. Emphasizing the need for transparency, Krausz requested a full due diligence screening of his organization and invited dialogue with the new government to establish operational forms that ensure both public accountability and scientific freedom. The incident highlights tensions between the new administration and institutions established by the previous government regarding the allocation of public funds in science.
444Hungarian Minister Cancels HUF 262 Billion Funding for Krausz Foundation
Hungarian Science and Technology Minister Zoltán Tanács announced the cancellation of a HUF 260.7 billion contract with the Élvonal Foundation, led by Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz. In a detailed statement, Tanács argued that while supporting science is crucial, this specific agreement was flawed due to its structure. He compared it to the controversial KEKVA model in higher education, criticizing the outsourcing of public tasks to foundations with limited democratic oversight and long-term contracts signed before elections. The funding, intended for 2026-2031, would have accounted for roughly one-fifth of Hungary's total domestic R&D spending. The plan included building 75 knowledge centers and involving 55,000 students. Tanács asserted that this arrangement created a parallel science policy infrastructure outside the existing ecosystem, reducing government influence over public money usage. The decision reflects the new government's stance against what it perceives as undemocratic financial arrangements in public research funding, emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable support mechanisms for Hungarian science and innovation.
444Hungarian Government Terminates Contract with Nobel Laureate Ferenc Krausz, Demands Refund
The newly inaugurated Hungarian government, led by Péter Magyar, has terminated its contract with the Frontiers Foundation, chaired by Hungarian-Austrian Nobel Prize winner Ferenc Krausz. Announced via Facebook, the decision involves reclaiming public funds allocated under an agreement signed by the previous administration of Viktor Orbán just two months before parliamentary elections. The original contract, valued at over 261 billion forints (approximately 730 million euros) and running until 2031, aimed to establish a world-class research center in Budapest. According to Magyar, 22 billion forints have already been disbursed to the foundation, and the government is now demanding the repayment of this amount. Krausz, a physicist who shared the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, had recently participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned Frontiers Campus. In contrast to the contentious relationship with Krausz, the new government intends to appoint biochemist Katalin Karikó, the 2023 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, as chief advisor to the Ministry of Health, signaling a differentiated approach toward prominent scientific figures.
DiePresse.com - HomeHungary Terminates Contract with Nobel Laureate Ferenc Krausz’s Foundation
Hungary’s new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has announced the termination of a significant funding agreement worth HUF 261.7 billion (approximately EUR 726 million) with the Élvonal Research and Talent Development Foundation. The foundation is headed by Ferenc Krausz, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. In addition to canceling the contract, Prime Minister Magyar has demanded the return of HUF 22 billion (EUR 62.9 million) that had already been disbursed to the organization. Reports indicate that the original agreement was finalized by the former Ministry of Culture and Innovation under Balázs Hankó shortly before recent elections. The foundation had planned to use the funds to support world-class researchers and develop a nationwide talent network, claiming prior consultation with key scientific bodies in Hungary. This decision marks a significant shift in state support for high-level scientific research under the new administration, highlighting potential political tensions regarding public spending and scientific governance.
Hungary TodayHungary Terminates Contract with Nobel Laureate Ferenc Krausz’s Foundation
Hungary’s new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has announced the termination of a significant funding agreement with the foundation of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ferenc Krausz. The contract, valued at HUF 261.7 billion (approximately EUR 726 million), was signed with the Élvonal Research and Talent Development Foundation. In addition to canceling the deal, Prime Minister Magyar has demanded the return of HUF 22 billion (EUR 62.9 million) that had already been disbursed to the foundation. Reports indicate that the original funding was allocated by the former Ministry of Culture and Innovation under Balázs Hankó shortly before recent elections. The foundation had planned to use the funds to establish a competitive research environment for top-tier scientists and young talents, claiming extensive consultations with Hungary's scientific leadership. This move highlights a significant shift in state support for scientific institutions under the new administration, sparking debate over the allocation of public funds to high-profile research initiatives.
Hungary TodayHungarian Government Terminates HUF 261.7 Billion Contract with Ferenc Krausz Foundation
The Hungarian government has officially terminated a HUF 261.7 billion public service financing contract with the Élvonal Foundation, managed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ferenc Krausz. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the decision on social media, stating that the government requests the refund of HUF 22 billion already disbursed to the foundation. The original agreement was signed two months prior to the election by former Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó, aiming to establish a world-class research environment in Hungary. By April 30, 2026, approximately HUF 22.38 billion had been paid, along with HUF 400 million in operating support. The termination follows reports that the foundation withdrew from funding the National Science Training Academy, citing concerns over the domestic political situation and seeking assurances that the new government would honor commitments made by the previous administration. This move highlights growing tensions between the scientific community and the state regarding research funding stability and political independence in Hungary.
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