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Naturally, the directors general of the Centre have left their fingerprints on the history of the BRC. The founder Director General, Brunó Straub F. (1970-1977) exerted a long-lasting influence upon the shaping of the image of the BRC. His intention that researchers working in different scientific fields but in the same facility should work mutually supporting one another has stood the test of time and proven an excellent and viable idea. It was owing to his extensive international relations that Brunó Straub F. could obtain the USD-1.255-million-support from UNESCO-UNDP that was indispensable in the period between 1973 and 1977 for work to start in the BRC. This funding served three fundamental purposes. It was used to cover the costs of the eminent scientific authorities arriving at the Centre from all over the world as advisors. It is also owing to the availability of this support that young Hungarian researchers made study visits abroad, in a combined period of 35 years. Thirdly, this funding enabled the purchasing of a state-of-the-art equipment pool for the BRC, which meets even Western European standards. It is to Brunó Straub F. that we owe thanks for the fact that, in spite of the status quo conservation approach of Hungary’s employment policies prevailing at the time, young researchers were contracted by the BRC for fixed periods and thus had to face regular challenges and appraisals. At the same time, this practice also made it possible for young researchers to leave their superior if they so decided and find a new leader – within the Centre. Though the continuation of this practice is now made difficult by the current funding application system, the spirit of Straub lives in and influences work at the Centre even today.
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