Cooperation between Széchenyi István University and the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families
The Széchenyi István University has concluded a cooperation agreement with the Mária Kopp Institute, within which Hungarian and international research collaborations are implemented, and the internship program at the Institute provides a new opportunity for the students of the university. The focus of cooperation is on family and family-friendly attitudes.
The Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS) started its operation in 2018, in the Year of Families, in order to contribute to the solution of demographic problems and the strengthening of the family through its activities and research. The Széchenyi István University became a family-friendly university in 2018. The institution helps the everyday life of employees with children and also supports students raising children.
“The Mária Kopp Institute has undertaken the task of building a bridge between the scientific world and policy makers for the benefit of families. I would like to thank the Széchenyi University for operating in a family-friendly spirit for many years, and this approach will be further strengthened by formalizing our cooperation” – said Tünde Fűrész, President of KINCS at the ceremony. She added that in Hungary, working and having children are no longer contradictory, the two areas complement each other, but it is important to show that even university years and graduation are compatible with having children.
Dr. Ágnes Engler, Scientific Vice-President at KINCS, said that the Institute strives to think together with as many Hungarian universities as possible. Several good practices have been established within the framework of these collaborations, which would also be raised to the national level, and which could also be utilized at the Széchenyi István University. As an example, she mentioned the launch of the course called education for family life, the student internship program of the institute as well as joint research.
Prof. dr. Péter Zoltán Baranyi, the rector of Széchenyi István University emphasized the family-friendliness of the institution, and revealed the details of the agreement: joint participation in domestic and international projects, research and tenders are also main aspects of the cooperation; furthermore, presentation of research results within the framework of university courses as well as knowledge sharing relating to family and demographic issues. The agreement also presents an opportunity to provide an apprenticeship programme as well as internships.
Dr. Attila Pongrácz, Dean of the János Apáczai Csere Faculty of Széchenyi István University emphasized that the institution is not only family-friendly for students and employees, but also open to the families of Győr. "There are many people who are not officially university citizens, but they are still part of the life of the university, as they visit scientific programs, lectures, cultural events, concerts or even sports programs for different age groups", the dean said. He added that many of the training courses of the Apáczai Faculty contribute to the training of professionals in professions supporting families.
The cooperation agreement was signed by Tünde Fűrész, President of the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families and Prof. Dr. Péter Zoltán Baranyi, Rector of Széchenyi István University.
