Before the meeting, which lasted for more than half an hour, Hiller told reporters that he considered reforms at the academy important and necessary. These reforms are in the best interest of the country, however, their implementation is an internal matter, he said, expressing his wish to refrain from interfering with the matter.
?I don?t wish for anything to remain unchanged, because movement and change are the partners of science,? Hiller said. He added that he considers it necessary to prepare by the end of 2007 a ?progressive science policy?, one which aims to show Hungary?s evolving talent both at home and abroad.
Answering a question about financing for the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hiller said ?I cannot?responsibly say?that significantly more money will be put into the academy?s budget,?I cannot promise any more money.?
Vizi said after the meeting that he was pleased with the talks. ?The Hungarian sciences have, since the time of reform, always served as an advisor to the nation and been an integral part of its culture,? he said. He added that reforms had long since begun at the academy: the academy and its network of institutions have adapted to the calling of the 21st century in areas such as technical developments.
Vizi ensured Hiller that the academy?s leadership and its members would form their opinions with the best interest of the country in mind, regardless of political, personal or financial interests. He added that he considered it a good sign that the new government had thought necessary seeking the academy?s opinion.
Vizi earlier expressed his views on the performance of the area of science in Hungary in a televised debate with Minister of Economics and Transportation János Kóka. Kóka complained of the lack of cooperation between research institutions and businesses. Vizi retorted: ?The Academy Sciences shouldn?t be the issue, rather?the Hungarian economy: why isn?t it responsive enough to allow those with ideas to file for patents??
