Five Nobel Prize laureates are visiting Armenia on April 12-16 in the framework of “Nobel days” initiative. Mediamax talked with two of them.

Ei-ichi Negishi

Japanese chemist was born in 1935. Famous for the discovery of the so-called Negishi reaction. Distinguished Professor of Purdue University (Indiana State). Received Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2010.

“I’ve never been to Armenia before. When I was invited to participate in “Nobel days”, I told myself: Armenia is a place where I should go despite what is happening around that country.

My wife was very concerned about the events of recent days, she was even against my visit. But I was convinced. Armenia is one of the rare places where you are really safe. I feel completely secure here.

I was told about Ararat mountain years ago. I would love to see it. However, the main goal of my visit is to give stimulus to young scientists.”

Dan Shechtman

Dan Shechtman

Photo: Mediamax

Israeli physicist and chemist received Nobel Prize 2011 “For the discovery of quasicrystals”.

“This is my second visit to Armenia. I was here for the first time around 20 years ago. I cannot describe how the city changed in recent years. I am fond of Armenians. You are open, talented, friendly. I am sure that these meetings are a great cause to increase interest towards education and science among young people. This is very important, as Armenia’s future, like the future of any other country, depends on well-educated, enterprising people.

I’d like to make a tour around Armenia. I really love Armenian khachkars. They are unique. I am interested in people, Armenian architecture. It’s been a long time since my last visit, I could renew my impressions.”

Yekaterina Poghosyan