ASM, host of a historic meeting: James Rothman, Nobel laureate with Basarabian roots, alongside Hiroshi Amano, in dialogue with young scientists#News247WorldPress

Two of the brightest minds in world science – Professors Hiroshi Amano and James Rothman, Nobel Prize laureates in Physics and Medicine, respectively – were guests of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM) at an exceptional event dedicated to the dialogue between generations of scientists.

The meeting, held under the theme ‘Historic Meeting at ASM: Nobel Prize Laureates Discuss with Young Science Enthusiasts,’ offered the public a rare opportunity to interact with personalities who have changed the world through their discoveries. The Azure Hall of the Academy hosted hundreds of students, university pupils, researchers, and professors, who listened with emotion to the messages of the guests.

“Chisinau is today on the world map of science, engaging in direct dialogue with the great treasures of universal knowledge. Dear guests, students, and young researchers, this event is, first and foremost, for you. The presence of Nobel laureates in Chisinau shows us that through work, passion, and perseverance, science can transform the world, and today’s dreams can become tomorrow’s reality,” declared the President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Ion Tighineanu.

Professor Hiroshi Amano, from Nagoya University in Japan, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics in 2014 for the invention of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) – a technology that revolutionized modern lighting – delivered the lecture “Let’s Work Together to Build a Sustainable World.” In recognition of his scientific contributions and close collaboration with the academic community in the Republic of Moldova, the Japanese scientist was awarded the title of Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

In turn, Professor James Rothman, from Yale University in the United States, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 2013 for his discoveries regarding the mechanism by which cells transport vital substances, received the “Dimitrie Cantemir” Medal, the highest distinction of the ASM. The moment held special significance, given that the scientist has Bessarabian roots, with great-grandparents originating from Fălești and Telenești, who emigrated to the USA over a century ago. His visit to the Republic of Moldova was, therefore, also a symbolic return to the land of his ancestors.

“The presence of Professors Amano and Rothman in Chișinău is a historic event for the Republic of Moldova, but also a strong message: science unites nations, builds bridges between cultures, and illuminates the path towards a sustainable future,” added Ion Tighineanu.

Professor Rothman will continue his visit to the Republic of Moldova with a series of scientific and cultural activities, including participation in the International Conference on Nanotechnology and Biomedical Engineering and trips to the towns of Fălești and Telenești.