Prof. Victor R. Ambros met with the academic community of the Silesian University of Technology
On May the 5th, Prof. Victor R. Ambros met with the academic and the local community at the Student Culture Centre “Mrowisko”. Scientists, students, PhD students and employees of the Silesian University of Technology had the opportunity to talk with the Nobel Prize winner.
It was an extraordinary opportunity for all gathered to talk to a unique guest of the Silesian University of Technology – a world-famous scientist, Prof. Victor R. Ambros. The meeting was attended by the rector authorities of the Silesian University of Technology, scientists of our University, as well as students, doctoral students, employees and the local community interested in the research of the Nobel Prize winner who, for over an hour, answered many questions .
“The purpose of the meeting was to talk to Professor Ambros – to ask him about his scientific work, his achievements that led him to win the Nobel Prize, but also to look at collaboration in teams. I think it was a special experience for those who decided to take part in it. A direct conversation with a scientist who received the Nobel Prize a few months ago was certainly something special for everyone.” - explains the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk.
The participants asked Prof. Ambros not just about his scientific work. They asked him questions related to scientific publications in the age of AI, motivation of the scientist to work and ways of spending free time. Prof. Ambros was also asked to advise on how to prepare and study for exams.
-” First of all, it is worth working with other students. It is important to learn together, share knowledge and try to explain different things to each other. When I visit universities, I see people working together. This is a really great way to strengthen the understanding of a given topic.” - said Prof. Victor R. Ambros. He also referred to receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in December 2024 with Gary Ruvkun. - “We have received a lot of awards that I was very happy with, but the Nobel Prize is a completely different, unique level. I never thought our discovery would be so appreciated.”
Prof. Victor R. Ambros not only patiently answered many questions, but after the meeting he found time to hand out commemorative publications, sign autographs and take commemorative photos. The Nobel Prize winner’s stay in Poland is also unique to him because of his Polish roots. His father, Longin Ambros, was a forced labourer deported from Poland to the Third German Reich during World War II. Then, freed by the American army, he emigrated to the United States
-” My father and his sister became orphans when they were young. They had a very difficult childhood. My dad had a big influence on my scientific career. He is a really smart person who has given his best,” - said the Nobel laureate. -” When my father’s sister emigrated to the United States in 1960, we had a small Polish community there. It was when I visited her that I learned more about Polish culture. I could visit her by surprise, and she always had a cake prepared, various dishes and told us stories about her childhood.”
