Report on the WSF 2009

World Science Forum 2009 - Hungary

 The first World Conference on Science was organized by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Hungarian Government in partnership with UNESCO and ICSU in Budapest in 1999. Due to the success of the Conference, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences initiated the World Sciences Forum taking place every odd year in Budapest. Approximately 1200 scientists, politicians, decision makers from all over the world have participated in the past World Science Fora discussing different kinds of vital issues: “Knowledge and Society”, “Knowledge, Ethics and Responsibility”, “Investing in Knowledge: Investing in the Future”. The Fourth World Science Forum marking the tenth anniversary of the first World Conference on Science was held in Budapest on 5-7 November, 2009. In this Forum focusing on “Knowledge and Future” Peter Csermely ( the Founder of Hungarian Research Student Association) and Mate Olah ( the Secretary of the Network of Youth Excellence) also took place in order to emphasizing the importance of younger generation in the future of science.

 After the Plenary Sessions were held by Jozsef Palinkas (the President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Laszlo Solyom (the President of the Republic of Hungary) and Jozsef Hamori (President of the World Conference on Science) the Thematic Sessions were taken. As research students we could take apart in conversations different kinds of scientific issues such as “Women in science” or “ Science and ecosystem services-sustainability in nature”. After the presentations we discussed our views together with experienced scientists. Some of the key questions, about which research students also showed their own ideas were: What is the role of scientific community in raising consciousness about the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change? How can science help construct a responsible society?
Most answers contained the “education” and “younger generation” words. The World Assossiaton of Young Scientists (WAYS) organized the Science and Youth thematic session facilitated by Gaell Mainguy (Chairman, WAYS) and Peter Csermely (Chairman, Hungarian National Talent Support Council). All presentations put emphasis on the power of young talent: the world needs a large number of talented young scientists to solve the upcoming crisis-waves.
Peter Csermely and Mate Olah together presented the networking possibilities to promote science recruitment of talented students. The Hungarian Parliament came to the conclusion that talent support is a valid, long term response to crisis, so the National Talent Support Council arose. Within a year over 160 Talent Points have been established in Hungary, which serve as informatics points, giving help and organizing the local, talent-friendly society. A member association of the National Talent Support Council, the Hungarian Research Student Association -founded in 1996 (www.kutdiak.hu) is a worldwide unique initiative that gives research opportunities to motivated high school students in the age of 14 to 19 at the best Hungarian research institutions. Mate Olah gave us a presentation about the links created for communication between young researchers: conferences taking place annually in the regions of Hungary, summer camp held in Kaptalanfured next to lake Balaton. There are international networking opportunities for young Hungarian scientists: they may gain the chance of participation in international conferences via NYEX (www.nyex.info).

NYEX, formerly initiated by Professor Csermely, was called to being via being registered in Goettingen. Dr. Zvi Paltiel (Davidson Institute, Rehovot, Israel) was elected as chair, Prof. Dr. Eva-Maria Neher and Vigor Majic (Petnica Science Center, Serbia) as vice-presidents. We honestly hope that formation of NYEX will effectively contribute to international student exchange programs, owing to which even more students will gain the chance of acquiring further experiences in science.

All of us were glad to take part in one of the unique World Science Forum: not only hear the interesting presentations of scientists from all over the world, but we also had conversations with them, saw them having great time out of their mystic laboratories.