The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences urges Hungarian lawmakers to refrain from restricting scientific freedom
The Hungarian parliament is seeking new legislation that could endanger academic freedom and educational quality. It could also lead to the closure of one of the universities in Budapest.
The leaders of The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences now make a public statement, urging the parliament not to restrict scientific freedom.
“The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is concerned when proposals are made to reduce academic freedom and the working conditions at universities. We have been informed about the ongoing discussion in the Hungarian Parliament regarding new legislation that affects the universities in Hungary. We urge the Hungarian lawmakers to refrain from decisions that restrict scientific freedom and educational quality”.
The statement is signed by Professor Christina Moberg, President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and Professor Göran K. Hansson, Secretary General.
The statement will be sent to the Embassy of Hungary in Sweden.
Academics from Europe and the US, including 17 Laureates of the Prize in Economic Sciences in the memory of Alfred Nobel, have expressed concern over the new legislation.
For further comments from Professor Christina Moberg or Göran K. Hansson, please contact press officer Jessica Balksjö Nannini, on +46 70 673 96 50, Jessica.balksjo@kva.se.
Press photos can be found at: http://www.kva.se/en/pressroom/Press-photos
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, founded in 1739, is an independent organization whose overall objective is to promote the sciences and strengthen their influence in society. The Academy takes special responsibility for the natural sciences and mathematics, but endeavours to promote the exchange of ideas between various disciplines.