On the next-to-last day of the visit to Armenia, five Nobel Prize laureates Aaron Ciechanover, Ei-ichi Negishi, Dan Shechtman, Ada E. Yonath and Robin J.Warren visited UWC Dilijan College.
Students from not only the college, but universities and high schools of Yerevan and Tavush marz gathered to meet Nobel Prize laureates, particularly those interested in natural sciences.
The guests shared their success stories and answered questions. From the dream to become a scientist to stomach bacteria, from the planet’s overpopulation to antibiotics and longevity - the questions for laureates were different.
Japanese chemist Ei-ichi Negishi described chemistry as “lego” that requires great patience and is a “game” leading to scientific discoveries.
Ei-ichi Negishi Photo: IDeA/Edgar Barseghyan
“Many people might think that Nobel Prize is a scientist’s last harbor. In fact, Nobel Prize is only a beginning to new discoveries, new scientific wandering,” said Japanese scientist who received Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2010.
Negishi confessed that he became a scientist not to win a Nobel prize, but to prove the rightness of his ideas and opinions.
“Science is a journey, it’s important to meet right people who will inspire you,” said Ei-ichi Negishi.
Israeli scientist Ada E. Yonath, who received Nobel Prize in 2009 “For studies of the structure and function of the ribosome”, spoke about DNA, the role of antibiotics and her choice of career in science.
Ada E. Yonath Photo: IDeA/Edgar Barseghyan
“When I was young, about your age, I couldn’t even imagine that one day I will study cells or just see what a cell is. I didn’t even think to choose a career in science. I just wanted to understand, to know more about the world around me,” said she.
Israeli physicist and chemist Dan Shechtman, who received Nobel Prize in 2011 “For the discovery of quasicrystals”, added to Ada E. Yonath’s thoughts on the love for science.
Aaron CiechanoverPhoto: IDeA/Edgar Barseghyan
“Signs of a future scientist are evident at a very young age. If you’re interested in the world, if you’re a curious, inquisitive explorer, then you have the supposition to become a scientist,” said Israeli scientist.
Dan Shechtman said to Armenian students:
“The future of the world depends on people like you. Education can change the world. You’re in the right place, follow your dreams.”
Chair of the Board of Governors of UWC Dilijan College Veronika Zonabend stressed that one of the main ideas about foundation of the college was for it to become an educational center where students not only from the college itself, but Tavush marz in general will gather.
“Nobel Prize laureates’ visit to Dilijan is an unparalleled opportunity. Meeting such unique people is a source of great inspiration,” said Veronika Zonabend.
Yekaterina Poghosyan
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