J. Pótó, M. Tolnai, P. Zilahy (eds.): Understanding the Hungarian Academy of Sciences : a guide
The Organization And Operation Of The Academy
THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE ACADEMY Pursuant to Act XL of 1994, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is a public body founded on the principle of self-government and operating as a legal entity. Its main duty is the study of science, the publicizing of scientific results, the assistance of research, and the representation of Hungarian science. The public body is composed of academicians - full and corresponding, as well as associate and honorary members — and others with an academic degree who, after applying for membership, gain admission. Today there are 214 full members and 86 corresponding members. Those so elected by the full and corresponding members become academicians. The public body has 8644 non-academician members today. The non-academician members of the public body exercise their rights through representation by electing 200 delegates to act on their behalf at the Academy's general assembly. The representatives are mandated for 3 years, and they may stand for reelection once. The Academy establishes and maintains research institutes and other institutions (libraries, archives, information systems, etc.) for the study of science (today the Academy extends assistance to 42 research institutes and 125 research teams working at university and public-funded collections). The Academy sets up and operates scientific sections and committees for the coordination of the activity of researchers working at the various institutions, research institutes, and universities (today there are 11 sections and 128 committees). The Academy, even if not specifically requested, gives its opinion, based on research results, on questions it deems particularly important in science, society, and the economy. In the course of its activity and carrying out its duties, the Academy - maintains relations with Hungarian non-academic scientific institutions and organizations; - maintains relations and enters into agreement with scientific institutions and organizations of other countries; - organizes scientific congresses and sessions; - posts scientific research competitions and awards prizes; - takes part in academic qualification, awards the Doctor of the Academy title, and takes part in training PhDs. Funds for the operation of the Academy are: - the state budget, in which it comes under a separate heading; - the income derived from its operation and the utilization of its assets; - foundations, donations, and other assistance extended to promote its operation and development. The president of the Academy submits to the government a report on the Academy's activity once every year, and to Parliament on the work of the Academy and the general state of Hungarian science once every two years. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly is the supreme body of the Academy as an independent public-law association, constituted by ordinary and corresponding members, and 200 representatives of non-academician members who are elected by secret ballot for a three year term. They may be re-elected once for an additional three year term. 46
