Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger Receives Honorary Doctorate from the Slovak Academy of Sciences
In a ceremony of remarkable scientific and cultural significance, the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) conferred the honorary title Doctor of Science honoris causa upon Nobel Laureate Professor Anton Zeilinger, one of the world’s foremost pioneers in quantum physics.
Following the opening fanfares President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences , Dr. Martin Venhart, delivered a powerful address honoring Professor Zeilinger’s remarkable contributions to quantum physics. He emphasized how Zeilinger’s pioneering experiments transformed abstract theory into experimental reality, providing empirical proof of quantum entanglement – what Einstein once called “spooky action at a distance”, linking his discoveries to our understanding of the universe itself. He also reflected on the importance of European cooperation, noting that the collaboration between Professor Zeilinger and Slovak physicist Professor Vladimír Bužek stands as “the most illustrative example of what can be achieved in a democratic, free, open, and unified world and society.”
Later on Professor Bužek in his laudatio, not only recalled their fruitful scientific collaboration during times when borders were still closed but also spoke warmly about their long-lasting friendship. His words underlined the human dimension behind groundbreaking research and the shared values that connect scientists across generations and nations. Afterwards, Professor Zeilinger delivered a short address filled with his characteristic humor, in which he reflected on how he was first drawn to the field of quantum optics and quantum information — a journey that would ultimately redefine the boundaries of modern physics.
The honorary doctorate bestowed upon Professor Zeilinger recognizes not only his extraordinary scientific achievements but also the spirit of collaboration, openness, and shared pursuit of knowledge that defines modern European science. The ceremony was held on the occasion of Professor Zeilinger’s 80th birthday, the 20th anniversary of the world’s first cross-border quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment between Slovakia and Austria, and the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Technologies — a field that exists thanks to the groundbreaking experiments of Professor Zeilinger himself.
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