Hungary seeks 105 'brave' individuals to dismantle university foundations

Hungary's government is initiating a search for 105 individuals tasked with dismantling the country's university foundations, a move that critics argue dismantles academic autonomy rather than restoring it. The government claims the new appointments are necessary to re-establish university autonomy, a concept that critics contend was actually strengthened under the foundation model established by the previous administration.

The foundation system, which moved university operations outside the direct state budget, led to increased funding, expanded university assets, and greater academic freedom. This model is credited with significant improvements in international rankings, a rise in student numbers, stronger regional universities, enhanced industry ties, and increased innovation revenue and international scientific performance. The government's current actions are viewed as a reversal of these gains, aiming to reintegrate universities under stricter state control.

Critics contend that the government is seeking individuals who opposed the foundation model and are committed to its dismantling. These new appointees will act as "accountability commissioners" for the universities, a role seen as a step back towards the pre-foundation system that had previously distanced Hungarian universities from the international academic forefront. The process bypasses the opinions of university senates, a step previously taken when introducing changes under the foundation model.