After the successful completion of the construction works in Szombathely, Körmend and Sárvár about 400 police employees and visitors have taken possession of police buildings with a fresh atmosphere, improved conditions and a better sense of security.  New windows and doors, thermal insulations of the façades and roofs, new electric, heating and hot water systems, as well as modern fire alarm systems have been installed. Furthermore, connected to the project, the historic building of the Vas County Police Headquarters has regained its original elegance.

This Security Project managed by the Ministry of Interior aims at the energy-efficient rehabilitation of buildings of the Office of Immigration and Nationality as well as of the Police. It is supported by the Swiss Contribution with an amount of 5.8 million Swiss francs, whilst Hungary provides 15% of the project costs. Thanks to this support, eight buildings have so far been renovated across the country.

These buildings now have new and cost-effective heating, water, sewage, and electrical systems, meeting EU energy efficiency requirements and standards. Modern fire-fighting systems to improve personal and material safety have been installed, and there is an increased use of renewable energy. The Project has thus contributed to improving the working conditions of policewomen and men as well as the living conditions of immigrants and asylum seekers.

Károly Papp, Chief Commissioner of the National Police, Jean-François Paroz, Ambassador of Switzerland to Hungary, Dr Csaba Hende Member of Parliament and high representatives of the Police and the Ministry attended and spoke at the ceremony. In his address, Ambassador Paroz pointed out the significance of the Project within the Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme and was pleased to note that the initial objectives of this rehabilitation project have been fully achieved.

Gathering experience at different research institutes, including abroad, is often a necessary step en route to a successful postdoctoral qualification and academic career. However, many academics in some EU member states are unable to undertake or complete research abroad because the cost of living is too high. The now concluded Sciex-NMS.ch fellowship program enabled young researchers from the twelve states that joined the European Union since 2004 to undertake research at a Swiss university for a limited period.

The program distributed total funds of CHF 47 million and more than 500 young researchers from more than 150 scientific institutions participated in the program.

In Hungary it is one of 37 projects, programs or funds that were approved under the Hungarian-Swiss Cooperation Program by June of 2012. This Program, in the amount of 130 million Swiss Francs, forms part of a broader Swiss Contribution in favour of all 12 EU member It assists Hungary and the other EU member states in reducing economic and social disparities domestically as well as within the enlarged European Union.

The Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Program also strengthens bilateral relationship between Switzerland and Hungary.

Approx. 20 fellows followed the invitation together with representatives from different Hungarian authorities as well as from the Swiss Federal department of Foreign Affairs.

The lively and pleasant discussion among the participants showed that from nanophysics to rock mechanics, from analytical chemistry to neuroscience, networks in a large number of research disciplines have been established, expanded and strengthened. Hungary, benefits from this fellowship program not only because science and research are important for innovation and economic development but because it increases their human capital. The Swiss representatives were glad to hear that all fellows considered their stay in Switzerland as extremely encouraging and useful for their career. In addition, the mentors and the researchers have deepened and widened the Swiss-Hungarian bilateral relations by intensifying partnerships between research institutions that could continue well beyond the period of the research placement itself.

Thanks to his successful program as well as the pleasant atmosphere only happy faces could be seen during this evening.