National Science Awards presented to RBI Scientists
At the special ceremony held today in the Croatian Parliament scientists, researchers and junior researchers were presented with the National Science Awards for 2008 in recognition of their exceptional achievements in scientific research, new scientific discoveries and scientific accomplishments. This is the most prestigious acknowledgment to Croatian scientists for their work, presented by the Republic of Croatia.
A total of 30 awards in four categories were granted to Croatian scientists. RBI scientists were awarded in two categories. National Life Achievement Award for Science was presented to Prof. Zvonimir Maksic, PhD, in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of natural sciences, while Annual Science Award was granted to: Prof. Ante Graovac, PhD, senior research scientist at the NMR Centre, for exceptional scientific achievement in the field of natural sciences and major discovery in the field of mathematical chemistry; Nela Pivac, PhD, senior research scientist at the RBI Division of Molecular Medicine in recognition of her outstanding scientific discovery in the field of biomedical sciences, and Ivica Kopriva, PhD, senior research scientist at the RBI Division of Laser and Atomic Research and Development, for a significant scientific achievement in the field of technical sciences.
National Science Awards were handed out by the Parliament President Mr. Luka Bebić and the Minister of Science, Education and Sports Radovan Fuchs, PhD. The most honoured institutions with the most laureates were the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology from the University of Zagreb and the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and distinguished representatives of all Croatian universities and the Croatian Academy of Science and Arts, as well as of other cultural, scientific, religious institutions in Croatia also attended the ceremonial session.