Hungarian Prime Minister Learns about Astrophysics in Pupin

Hungarian Prime Minister Learns about Astrophysics in Pupin Laboratories
Prime Minister of Hungary, Gordon Bajnai, visited Hungarian-born physics and
astronomy faculty on Wednesday September 23rd. After his talk given for the East
European Center in the School of International and Public Affairs, the Hungarian PM
walked across Columbia campus to visit Professor Szabolcs Márka’s laboratory.
Professor Márka and Astronomy Professor Zoltán Haiman gave an introduction to their
research in the fields of gravitational wave astrophysics and cosmology. Prime Minister
Bajnai expressed his interest in science by asking numerous thoughtful questions. The
Consul, government spokesperson, other dignitaries and journalists accompanying the
Prime Minister also expressed their interest in research at Columbia and enjoyed their
visit to the laboratory. The event had very positive coverage in the Hungarian press.
Prime Minister Bajnai left for Barack Obama’s UN reception from Pupin Hall.
Astronomy Professor Zoltán Haiman, Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and
Physics Professor Szabolcs Márka walk across campus to Pupin building. (Photo:
Wallenstein V. Róbert)
Professor Haiman, Prime Minister Bajnai, Professor Márka and Assistant State Secretary
Gábor Fadgyas discuss the important place of Columbia Physics and Astronomy in the
history of science. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)
Professor Márka explains the operation of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave
Observatory and the future of gravitational wave astronomy to Hungarian Prime Minister
Gordon Bajnai. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)
Professor Marka explains to Prime Minister Bajnai how collision of two black holes leads
to emission of gravitational waves. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)
Professor Haiman talks about the early Universe and his research in cosmology to Prime
Minister Bajnai.
Associate Research Scientist Zsuzsa Márka, Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai
and Professor Szabolcs Márka discuss details of the Márka group’s altruistic science
project related to optical studies of the mosquito sensory system to mitigate malaria
transmission.
Professor Márka talks to the Hungarian press, government spokesperson Bernadett Budai
and Prime Minister Bajnai about his research in gravitational wave astrophysics.
Professor Haiman and Professor Márka receive coin-medals from Prime Minister Bajnai.
(Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)