Széchenyi Prizes of 2014

The Széchenyi Prize is a prize given in Hungary by the state, replacing the former State Prize in 1990 in recognition of those who have made an outstanding contribution to academic life in Hungary. Researchers and scientists were given the prizes of 2014 in the Hungarian Parliament Building last Friday.

JOHN LUKACS (91), main prize winner

Hungary is my native land and America is my home. I am Hungary’s son and I consider myself Hungarian. It is a feeling one can only „inherit“ from their mother. Taking this point of view, Hungary is my mother and America is my wife.

Some other notable quotes from prize winners:

GABOR TAMAS, neurobiologist, professor at University of Szeged

One can create an atmosphere entirely different to that in Western Europe or America here. The standards of Hungarian universities do not reach the level of their western rivals due to the infrastructure. On the other hand, the attitude of the people enables a more cosey and inspiring environment.

MARIA SCHMIDT, House of Terror director-general

Breaking up the left-wing marxist opinion monopoly dominating the earlier historiography concerning 20th century dictatorships is a virtue of the House of Terror.

ZSUZSANNA SCHAFF, medical scientist, prize given for research on viruses causing hepatitis and the Ajka alumina plant accident

I am very much honoured given this prize as it is the biggest to achieve in Hungary. I feel I’ve always worked in a team with many great researchers. Acknowledgement goes to them, too.

ANDRAS ROOSZ, metallurgy, materials science

The biggest success for me is that I can pass on my knowledge to the young generation. I appreciate this prize very much as it acknowledges life work, not only mine, but my partners‘, too, who helped me with education and research. They made this achievement possible.

TAMAS POCS, professor, member of The Hungarian Academy of Sciences

I’m engaged to tropical botany. This prize is an acknowledgement of my 60 years long scientific work and more than 400 publications. I’ve been to more than 60 countries in order to examine tropical and desert wildlife. Next to the good feeling that comes with having this prize, the financial aid is going to ensure the realisation of my further research plans.