Hassan Charaf: “We will not compromise on quality”

“We aim to position BME in both the regional and global arena. However, these ambitions are not well served by the rigid, traditional state finance model.

As a technology-focused university, speed is crucial for us—we cannot afford to wait months for procurement,” 

explained Rector Hassan Charaf in an interview on Aréna, a programme on Inforádió, highlighting the reasons behind BME’s maintainer change.

As previously reported on bme.hu, the university is adopting a new operational framework, under which, from 1 March, its maintainer rights will be transferred to a company established by the state. The founding document of BME Fenntartó Zrt. has already been completed, and the company registration process is underway. Meanwhile, MOL Nyrt. remains interested in the new company, with negotiations ongoing.

During the 45-minute conversation, Hassan Charaf elaborated on how BME’s maintainer change differs from the model change implemented by most Hungarian universities in recent years. One key distinction is that BME will not receive public assets but will only gain asset management rights. Furthermore, the ownership of the maintainer rights will not be transferred to a foundation but to a company.

Another type of change

“To the best of our knowledge, this structure does not fall under the European Commission’s criticisms regarding Hungarian universities that have undergone a model change” the Rector stated. He added that he had already presented the model to the leaders of member institutions in the EELISA European university alliance, as part of BME’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness.

A crucial aspect of this transition is the expected additional funding from investor companies, beyond state financing, which will be channelled into development projects. Such funds will be put to good use, as maintaining BME’s ageing campus buildings is already a significant burden, and major resources will be needed for future developments. “Architects are already working on concepts for the campus renovation. […] 

We also need to standardise our brand—being excellent is not enough; we must also look the part,” 

the Rector remarked.

When asked why the maintainer company is being established as a Zrt. (private limited company) rather than an Nyrt. (public limited company), Hassan Charaf explained that BME is initially looking for domestic investors. “We are proceeding cautiously to maintain control over the process,” he said, though he personally would not rule out a stock exchange listing in the long run. Interest in investment opportunities extends beyond MOL, with several small and medium-sized enterprises having already submitted offers ranging between HUF 50-100 million.

The Rector also stressed that BME is not seeking increased state funding without offering concrete guarantees. A dedicated team is already working on defining the specific criteria for these commitments. Responding to concerns about whether a stronger business-oriented approach could pose risks to the university’s operations, he firmly stated: “We will not compromise on quality.” He also emphasised that “academic autonomy is inviolable. The state has never interfered in our affairs, and no one will be allowed to do so in the future.”

At the same time, he acknowledged the importance of a business mindset, which is why BME has established a technology transfer company. The goal is clear: InnoLab will launch startups, but at the same time, fundamental research is just as important to the university. “We must simultaneously respond to industry needs while maintaining scientific rigour,” he concluded.

The full interview, in Hungarian, is available on the Inforádió website.

Rector's Office Department of Communications