In the evening of 14 October, the award ceremony of the World Cultural Council (WCC) organized by Riga Technical University at the National Library of Latvia ended with a magnificent concert. The award ceremony was attended by Riga Technical University Rector Academician Leonids Ribickis, the Minister of Culture Dace Melnbarde and other prominent persons. Professor of theoretical physics Edward Witten from the United States of America received the World Award of Science and Professor Kalevi Ekman from Aalto University received the World Award of Education.
In the opening of the ceremony, L.Ribickis said: «We at RTU are very thankful and happy that such an event is held in Latvia; moreover, on the 154th Anniversary of RTU and at one of the most outstanding cultural sites – the Castle of Light, symbol of knowledge.» Academician Leonids Ribickis is the only person from Latvia elected as the member of the Interdisciplinary Committee that decides on the WCC award winners.
In 2016, Albert Einstein World Award of Science was granted to E.Witten, whose research influences fundamental understanding of physical interaction. It incorporates two contrasting disciplines – mathematics and physics – and opens new research directions that surpass the borders of science disciplines.
After receiving the award, E.Witten said: «I am thrilled that today I am known exactly because of this award, even though in childhood I just had a vague surmise of what I want to do in the future. What I do now is the result of understanding, input and support of my colleagues and fellows. My passion for science and mathematics is promoted by possibility for field professionals to work together – this is my dream come true.»
The 2016 José Vasconcelos World Award of Education was granted to K.Ekman, who is the creator of design factory concept. Design factory is a place where thanks to the newest technologies, innovative ideas of scientists and students are turned into prototypes that later in the form of particular products are commercialized and offered to consumers.
At the award ceremony, K.Ekman expressed his conviction that success can be reached only by stepping out of one’s comfort zone, although «ability to start new things has always created uncertainty in people». However, Professor considers: «No matter what the dream concerning the education is, everything possible must be done to implement it, and we all should be more open to ideas of other people, without being afraid of borrowing and adapting them.»
At the WCC award ceremony, nine RTU academic staff members – promoters of science and overall growth – were also honored: Chair of RTU Senate, Professor Elina Gaile-Sarkane, RTU Professor Janis Grundspenkis, RTU Professor Janis Krastins, RTU Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Talis Juhna, RTU Professor Oskars Krievs, RTU Professor Igors Tipans, RTU Professor Kaspars Kalnins, RTU Professor Maris Turks and Head of RTU Design Factory Guntis Kulikovskis.
Winners of the WCC awards were congratulated by RTU artist collectives – men’s choir Gaudeamus, women’s choir Delta, mixed choir Vivere, RTU Brass Band «SPO». At the end of the ceremony, men’s choir Gaudeamus performed a world premiere of composition «Veni, Creator Spiritus» by composer Selga Mence.
The WCC awards for achievements in culture, education and science significant for the mankind have been granted since 1984, and every time a different place for the ceremony is chosen. In the past, the award ceremonies have been held at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Australian National University, University of Oxford, Princeton University, etc.
