Semmelweis University’s Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences has set up a fact-finding committee to look into Hungarian President Pál Schmitt’s doctoral dissertation case. “The committee will submit its official report on March 28, from which the University will draw the appropriate conclusions and decide on any further steps,” Dean Miklós Tóth said at a press conference held at the University on Wednesday.
According to Dean Tóth, the committee’s task is to uncover every detail regarding the events surrounding President Pál Schmitt’s doctoral work of twenty years ago, and to inform the University’s leadership regarding its findings. In the interest of ensuring that the committee’s work is undisturbed, the dean declined to name its members. “We would like the committee to carry out its work in the calmest possible circumstances, so that Semmelweis University and the people of Hungary may receive satisfactory answers to those questions which arise in connection with such an event,” he explained.
Dean Tóth did reveal that the committee is made up of five members, both internal and external, all of whom willingly accepted the invitation to join. He added that committee members were selected strictly on the basis of professional criteria, taking into consideration which specific areas of expertise may be required to conduct a proper examination; accordingly, the fact-finding committee contains experts in the fields of linguistic, sports, social sciences and law. There are currently no foreign citizens on the committee, though this option may be considered in the course of the examination.
Dean Tóth mentioned that no one forced the University to order an enquiry into the doctoral dissertation case, but rather took on the task voluntarily. “By forming the committee, the University has demonstrated that it intends to examine the full details of the case, in order to ensure that all the questions raised by the incident are properly answered,” Dean Tóth stated.
Szilvia Tóth-Szabó
Translated by Gina Gönczi
