ESET Science Award is an ESET-sponsored project that honors the best Slovak scientists whose work has made a difference worldwide. Physics professor and Nobel laureate Kip Thorne, who chaired the international jury of the latest ESET Science Award, called for respect for science.
Professor Kip Thorne was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for the first direct detection of gravitational waves whose signal was generated by the collision of two black holes 1.3 billion years ago. Professor Thorne is not only a scientist of undoubted fame but was also a consultant and co-author of the Christopher Nolan film Interstellar.
In his latest speech as president of the ESET Science Award International Jury, Professor Thorne stressed the importance of scientists' words and respect for scientific knowledge.
“Science and technology based on scientific research are fundamental for solving problems such as pandemics and climate change. But I believe it is equally important to sensitize politicians and public opinion to respect for science and scientists ".
Professor Thorne reiterated that viral diseases are one of the most serious problems for humanity today. "Many countries have ignored the voice of scientists in addressing the pandemic. Slovakia can be a positive example for the world in making it clear how science can save many lives, "he explained about the current situation due to COVID-19, referring to Slovak coronavirus research.
Funded by the ESET Foundation, a team of Slovak scientists have developed their own internationally validated COVID-19 tests. To provide a quick response to the pandemic, the team donated 100,000 routine test kits to the Slovak Republic and made the tests available to other countries.
Since joining the ESET Science Award international jury, Professor Thorne has been dedicated to promoting the initiative. The ESET Foundation and ESET continue their mission to support and reward scientists and researchers in Slovakia - and, in the future, in other parts of the world.
“We need a new generation of leaders to lead the world towards responsible and science-based solutions. The greatest asset of the ESET Science Award is this inspiration and recognition of how important science is to society, ”said Professor Thorne.
ESET Science Award is under the aegis of the President of the Slovak Republic and has received praise from international personalities including Sir Roger Penrose, Nobel Prize in Physics 2020.
"I am convinced that the authority of science and scientists must also be taken into account in the public debate. Because we are not only living in an era of global pandemic, but also an infodemic, due to the systematic spread of disinformation, ”said President Čaputová in her opening speech.
During the ceremony, Fedor Šimkovic was proclaimed the winner of the category of Slovakian Personality of Excellence, Tamás Csanádi won the category of Best Young Scientist under 35 and Ivan Varga was awarded the title of Outstanding University Teacher laureate.
The ESET Science Award Jury saw the participation of excellent scientists and researchers, such as Czech chemist Hana Dvořáková, British biologist Fiona Watt, German physicist Rolf-Dieter Heuer (former director of CERN), German chemist Ralf Riedel and the Hungarian mathematician Tibor Krisztin.
More information on the event https://www.esetscienceaward.sk/en, the video of Professor Thorne's speech to this link and more information on the winners who.
