The academic community of the Western University of Timișoara had the exceptional joy of honoring one of the most important contemporary scientists, conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa Scientiarum Professor Jean-Pierre Sauvage, winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
After the DHC ceremony, professor Jean-Pierre Sauvage delivered a lecture dedicated to the public in the "Ioan Curea" Aula Magna of UVT, and then entered into an exciting dialogue about the themes of contemporary science, together with professor Daniel Funeriu.
Professor Jean Pierre Sauvage, who was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa Scientiarum by the UVT academic community, is one of the most prominent figures in the world of chemistry, laureate of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2016. Jean-Pierre Sauvage is a member of the French Academy of Sciences and professor at the University of Strasbourg. In 2016, together with Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of molecular machines – an important step in the development of nanotechnology. Later, he persevered with his discoveries and hard work, remaining an example of openness to new and new scientific ideas. The choice of the UVT community to invite the distinguished academician and researcher Jean-Pierre Sauvage to become Doctor Honoris Causa of our university was based, in addition to his fabulous career, on a special symbolism: the laureate was born in the same year as UVT, a year in which Europe and the whole world were trying to rise from the ashes of the Second World War and the hope was to give education and science a much more important role in our lives.
UVT rector, Marilen Gabriel Pirtea:
"The Western University of Timișoara brings to the community, in the year of the European Capital of Culture, valuable models for future generations. It is the role of universities to generate societal changes and promote authentic values, by popularizing science and bringing people closer to scientists and culture. It is we who have the duty to open minds and give the next generations the drive to dream and work hard for their dreams. Today's laureate, Professor Jean Pierre Sauvage, to whom the UVT academic community gives the title of Doctor Honoris Causa Scientiarum, is one of the most prominent figures in the world of chemistry, laureate of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2016. West University of Timișoara thanks to Professor Jean Pierre Sauvage for all his work and dedication and for giving the younger generations not only new discoveries but also the model of a perfect and respectable man."
Professor Jean Pierre Sauvage, Doctor Honoris Causa Scientiarum UVT:
"I am particularly glad that your university established the Faculty of Chemistry, Biology and Geography in 1991, so soon after the events of 1989. In general, the promotion of science is the most effective method of combating obscurantism. Under the influence of a great number of elements, the times in which we live have become the scene of vehement and dangerous critical opinions expressed about science. Various factors can be invoked to justify this dangerous trend, including conspiracy, ignorance and intellectual laziness. It is therefore essential that people and organizations like the Western University of Timișoara are active and demonstrate that actions against science are dangerous.
Of the various scientific disciplines fundamental to progress, chemistry, as a science or as an economic activity, is perhaps the most incriminated. This is very unfair, especially if we consider not only its importance as a science, but also the importance of the industry connected with it. Molecular sciences occupy an essential place in many applied fields, such as biology, obtaining new materials or medicine."
The event is part of the cultural program "At UVT, Culture is Capital!", included in the Cultural Program "Timișoara 2023 - European Capital of Culture", Oameni territory, Reflectiţi station, financed by the Municipality of Timișoara through the Project Center, co-financed by the Timiș County Council , through the TimCultura 2023 program. The event is supported by partners CTP, Linde, Mewi.
