The Most Valuable Natural Resource is Human Gene, if You Have it, You Have Everything: Dan Shechtman
Concluding press conference of “Nobel Days in Yerevan” was launched today at Yerevan State Medical University after M.Heratsi (YSMU), participants of which were biologists Aaron Ciechanover and Ada E. Yonath, chemist and physicist Dan Shechtman, pathologist Robin J. Warren, chemist Ei-ichi Negishi, as well as Mikael Narimanyan, YSMU rector and Konstantin Yenkoyan, Head of Organizing Committee.
Aaron Chiechanover, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry 2004 “For the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation,” talked about his impressions in a meeting with reporters, as well as touched upon tendencies of science development in contemporary society, challenges and directions of their more productive implementation, “It’s high time, that science became a part of business, and you have that talent, and it should be made use of. Armenian treatment highly impressed me.”
Ada E. Yonath, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry 2009 “For studies of the structure and function of the ribosome,” who is also from Israel, and who appeared with a conclusive lecture today, said, “I have only one sentence to say: besides the fact that I agree with everything reflected in Mr. Chiechanover’s lecture, I only want to speak of the stressed enthusiastic mood and attitude, which I saw throughout recent days. It refers young students, both girls and boys. I saw lots of encouragement and excitement these days, for which I’m thankful.”
Ei-ichi Negishi, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry 2010 “For palladium-catalyzed cross couplings in organic synthesis,” who arrived from China, joining the expressed thankful words, said, “Firstly, I’m very glad to be in Armenia. Although I once told this, I want to repeat once more: I feel very safe here. Returning to scientific issues, I’ll only say one thing: I think, people should start thinking. This is my call to everyone. I wish people living here lots of success, and the country— a brilliant future.”
Dan Shechtman, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry 2011 “For the discovery of quasicrystals”, from Israel, was the only one, whose visit to Armenia wasn’t for the first time, “This is my second visit to Armenia, I was here 20 years ago. By the first impression I edify big changes and developments, which inspire me and make me happy. After so many years, I observe noticeable progress in the field of substructures, as well as I managed to record visible result of human efforts. I consider, as a result of these changes, your view will be directed to bright future.
I’m very excited to see so many people interested in education, both among the students and professors. I managed to meet and speak to the country’s president, who also highlights the role of developed and qualified education in the country.”
When you realize and understand primary role of education, undoubtedly, you’re on the right way. The next issue is how you see importance of social substructures’ role, for instance, development of agriculture. I’m convinced that development of industrial society should be fostered, however, we shouldn’t forget that lots of people are busy not only with product manufacturing, but by developing start-ups, or are rather active in the field of innovation systems, these are the substructures, which, surely, lead the country by the way of economic development and success.
In fact, the world is developing rather rapidly, and it should also be developed in Armenia with quick temps as well, although, I repeat, you are on the right way, as you have a good educational system and properly thinking people, and these are of utmost importance. The most valuable natural resource is human gene, if you have it, then you have everything.”
John Robin Warren, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2005 “For their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease,” who visited from Australia, and who advised Armenians not to open McDonald’s in Armenia the day before, today shares his impressions of recent days, “I also agree with the expressed opinions, and share them. Besides, I want to stress, this is a wonderful and nice country, rather friendly and with wonderful society. I’m glad, you belong to those rare societies, where people are ready to share their everyday food, which is very tasty. I’m happy not to notice McDonald’s here, and remember, as long as you make dishes for yourself and give preference to home food, you won’t have any problems.”
Ada E. Yonath agreed on Shechtman’s observation and added, “As Mr. Shechtman said, Armenia is a country with rather high industrial development, and tendencies for agriculture development should also change towards industry. I’m also from Israel, and if we compare agricultural products available here with those in Israel, I might say, they don’t exist. I tasted Armenian food, and I liked it a lot.”
Note, the “Nobel Days in Yerevan” scientific event was organized by YSMU in the period of April 11-16, participants of which were 5 well-known scientists and Nobel Prize laureates.
“Nobel Days in Yerevan” scientific event was among the most prominent scientific events ever launched in Armenia, which became the first chance for experienced and young scientists, as well as students, to socialize with individuals awarded the highest prize in the field of science.
Konstantin Yenkoyan, Head of Organizing Committee, expressed hope that as a result of the four-day meetings, they succeeded to implement number one issue, i.e. be inspired by experience of living legends and create new perspectives for flight of thought of Armenian science.
Mikael Narimanyan, YSMU rector, participant of the press conference, in his turn thanked the well-known scientists for accepting the invitation, as well as expressed hope that such initiatives will become a precedent for the development of Armenian scientific thought and will be continuous.
By Nvard Manvelyan
