The lecture by Ferenc Krausz, awardee of BME’s John von Neumann Professorship, was attended by over 600 people in two lecture halls at BME.

It was not easy to start the event on time, because many people wanted to have a chat, take selfies with the researcher or ask for his autograph.

Ferenc Krausz began his lecture by explaining his personal motivations, quoting Ernő Rubik: “Perhaps the most important and difficult task in almost every aspect of your life is to find the right questions. It’s just as important to find the solution to the chosen problem that makes people’s lives better.” He then continued with an overview of the history of his research topic.

The changes in the state of electrons, which determine the behaviour and reactions of atoms and molecules, take place at incredibly high speeds, usually in just a few attoseconds. The attosecond is one billionth of a billionth of a second, so studies on this timescale understandably required the development of new and special measurement methods, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023.  The style and informative language of the lecture was highly enjoyable throughout, even when he was talking about his research.

In the concluding part, Ferenc Krausz spoke about his research in the field of early detection of cancer and its potential use in the screening of other chronic diseases. He told the audience how pleased he was that serious professional work has started under his leadership in Hungary at the Center for Molecular Fingerprinting.

At the end of the event, the audience asked Ferenc Krausz questions about his scientific and personal motivations.

Rector’s Office Department of Communications

Photo: B. Geberle