The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, established in 1780, gathers the world’s most prominent thinkers in the fields of sciences, arts and humanities and its members include 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer laureates. Hungarian Minister for Human Resources Zoltán Balog sent a congratulatory letter to Mr Freund.

The integral text of the letter can be read in the following attachment:

Esteemed Mr. Professor, Dear Tamás!

There is no higher recognition of a life’s work than the one given by the community. The recognition of the community – be that the community of fellow scientists or artists – constitutes spiritual and intellectual nourishment that affects our entire life, offers support in times of hardship and will always give us strength for creation.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was born at the same time as the American state. It had and still has a defining role in propelling American economy and science to the forefront of the global arena. It gathers the outstanding minds which have shaped the mainstream of global science, arts and culture for two centuries.

Hungarian minds are an integral part as well as shapers of this community.
They are part of it because – through arduous work - they ventured to the highest peaks even during the bleakest and most ominous of times. They are also shapers, because in addition to practicing science, they always find the strength for education, for embracing outstanding talents and always be there for the benefit of the next generation.

I believe that the secret of the Hungarian mind is this: strive for the best through the enrichment of others.

Esteemed Mr. Professor, Dear Tamás!

Thanks to your work as a neurobiologist, Hungarian brain research has acquired an international reputation and has become a reference point. You achieved this by being a firm believer in a hard, gradual and austere work ethos. The road that has led to your achievements offers an example to be followed by coming generations of young scientists and can serve as encouragement to your peers who otherwise might be discouraged by difficulties.

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for your academy membership and let me wish you the strength to remain at your best as a Hungarian anywhere in the world!

Budapest, 6th May 2014

Best regards,
Zoltán Balog

Source: Ministry of Human Resources