Orbán inaugurates MCC Szeged center, stresses science and innovation
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated the new Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) center in Szeged on Friday, March 7, emphasizing the role of science and innovation in securing Hungary’s competitiveness and cultural identity. The event, which was not publicly announced, was closed to most media, with only a pro-government outlet invited.
MCC is a government-backed talent development institution that offers specialized training programs for students alongside formal education. It has expanded significantly in recent years, establishing centers across Hungary and beyond.
Orbán stated that Hungary must remain engaged in global intellectual and scientific circles to preserve its cultural and academic standing. He noted that Hungary currently ranks 21st in the EU in innovation spending, intending to reach the EU’s top ten by 2030 and the world's top ten by 2040.
Nobel laureate endorses government’s science policy
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ferenc Krausz praised the government’s support for projects like the MCC Szeged center, calling them high-return investments. He described Hungarian universities as world-class due to exceptional professors and noted that higher education could further improve through reforms that allow institutions to focus on their strengths.
Krausz advised young graduates to seek research groups among the world’s best, many of which are led by Hungarians abroad. He emphasized the need to bring these experts back to Hungary to foster scientific breakthroughs at home.
Hungary’s scientific potential and global models
Responding to Orbán’s remarks, Krausz noted that Hungary has the necessary talent for major scientific advances. He pointed to Germany’s Max Planck Society and China’s scientist repatriation programs as models that Hungary could follow.
By combining these approaches and ensuring research funding reaches scientists directly, Hungary could achieve significant progress in the field. He also highlighted the success of the National Academy of Scientist Training’s biomedical program and announced plans for similar initiatives in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
The building’s brief history
MCC Director General Zoltán Szalai stated that the new Szeged center expands the institution’s reach, with students from over 30 cities now participating in its programs. The facility will provide an ideal environment for talent development, he added.
The building, originally constructed in 1896 by architect Albert Víg under Ferenc J. Raichl’s supervision, was initially built for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and later briefly housed the Museum of Applied Arts. In 1969, it became the Bartók Béla Cultural Center but remained vacant for years after its closure.
The Foundation for the Future of Szeged’s Biomedical Research acquired the property with plans to establish a talent development dormitory, but renovations stalled. MCC later purchased the building and commissioned architect Tibor Hajós for its restoration. The 2,251-square-meter structure underwent a 1.428 billion forint renovation, carried out by Build It Mérnökiroda Zrt.
This article is based on information from the Hungarian News Agency (MTI).
Featured image via MTI
