Why Hungary?

10 arguments

Three cities have applied as potential hosts to the ESS project: Lund (Sweden), Bilbao (Spain) and Debrecen. The report of the ESS Site Review Group rightfully stated that each of the three sites is eminently adequate for building ESS and all the three cities are prepared to implement the project.

We believe that building ESS in the city of Debrecen in Hungary and in the Central Eastern European region offers particularly strong advantages.

ESS: Why Central Eastern Europe? Why Hungary? Why Debrecen?

  1. Because Hungary is competent to implement the ESS project. Hungary has ample experience in the field of neutron research since several decades.
  2. Because it’s cheaper. When compared with the competitors, investment costs would be much lower in Hungary.
  3. Because it would advance European cohesion in the Central Eastern European region. None of the new EU member states have ever hosted an investment of this magnitude.
  4. Because we understand the technology. The „father” of the ESS technological concept is the Hungarian professor Ferenc MEZEI.
  5. Because Hungary is committed. The government, each political party, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the city of Debrecen are united in supporting ESS project implementation.
  6. Because Debrecen possesses the necessary research background. The city hosts the Institute of Nuclear Research (ATOMKI) of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
  7. Because Debrecen has already evolved into a scientific and educational centre. One of the biggest universities in Hungary with 30,000 students, researchers and professors is located here. This city is the second most important research centre in Hungary.
  8. Because it offers good infrastructure background. Debrecen has a local airport and public transport is highly improved. It takes two hours to reach Budapest or the Budapest airport and four hours to Vienna on the motorway or by rail. The schools of Debrecen offer curricula and baccalaureate in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.
  9. Because it offers attractive job opportunities for a pan-European team with more than competitive compensation and low living costs.
  10. Because it is pleasant to live in Debrecen. Visitors and local employees can choose from among numerous cultural, tourist and recreational services in their spare time.