National brain research project

Hungary is to launch a HUF 12 billion forint (EUR 39m) national brain research program to promote research, prevention, innovation, health-care and drug development. It is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in several areas of brain research.

A document on state support for the program was signed in Budapest in February by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Academy of Sciences (MTA) President József Pálinkás and the project’s director, Tamás Freund, head of MTA’s Institute of Experimental Medicine.

The Prime Minister pledged to make brain research a ‘flagship’ area of research as part of a plan to turn Hungary into a European center of research and innovation, as well as a center of production. Brain research offers Hungarians a chance to demonstrate their talent and socially useful achievements, he said. “Europe is most probably looking forward to a decade of brain research, and Hungary has every reason to play a key role,” Orbán added.

József Pálinkás said Hungary’s national brain research program promised unique results based on the achievements of domestic research.

Tamás Freund was of the view that brain diseases impose a huge social and economic burden on civilization. The agreement is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in several areas of brain research, he added.

(Source: MTI)