Chemistry for Everyone Program in Hungary

In Hungary, industries closely related to chemistry contributed over 11% to the GDP of the manufacturing sector in the last year. However, there are problems with the supply of new talents: the number of applicants and admitted students is continuously declining in chemistry-related fields at domestic universities.
Mária Szabó,
Correspondent of the Hungarian Chemical Society (HCS), Budapest, Hungaria

In Hungary, industries closely related to chemistry contributed over 11% to the GDP (Gross domestic product) of the manufacturing sector in the last year. However, there are problems with the supply of new talent: the numbers of applicants and admitted students are continuously declining in chemistry-related fields at domestic universities. To combat these negative trends and to improve the overall approval of chemistry education, a cross-industry collaboration was launched on 1 October. This initiative brings together companies, advocated organisations, associations, universities, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences to promote chemistry.

The Hungarian Chemical Society (HCS), as a civil organisation representing individuals working in chemistry and the chemical industry, has taken on the task of coordinating this initiative. The main goals of the program are:

  • to increase the number of students in specialised secondary and higher education by 20% in key fields over the next 3-5 years,
  • to raise government awareness of this issue,
  • to dispel misconceptions about chemistry,
  • to provide inspiration for students and teachers,
  • to collect and promote chemistry-related programs and events.

University programs related to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries have a long tradition in Hungary. Such programs are currently offered at several universities and play a significant role in the success of Hungary’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries at international level. However, interest in these fields has significantly decreased in recent times.

There are many reasons for this problem: “chemophobia”; the extreme unpopularity of chemistry as a discipline in society; misunderstandings and falsehoods circulating about chemistry in public perception; the insufficient recognition of chemistry as a profession; and the lack of awareness that chemistry is “everywhere” in our everyday lives. As a result of the Chemistry for Everyone Program, we hope to reverse the negative trend of declining interest in chemistry and make chemistry-related professions more attractive. We aim to ensure that more young people choose chemistry as their first option and that many of them will become excellent chemistry teachers.

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