Two FMFI Scientists Laureates of the ESET Science Award 2024
At the 6th annual ESET Science Award 2024, Prof. Igor Farkaš was honoured as the winner in the category of Outstanding Academic in Slovakia, while Dr. František Herman won in the category of Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia Under the Age of 35.
Two of our colleagues, Prof. Farkaš and Dr. Herman, reached the finals of the prestigious ESET Science Award, where they ultimately triumphed. The award ceremony took place on Thursday, 10 October 2024, at the Slovak Philharmonic in Reduta.
In the category of Outstanding Academic in Slovakia, the winner was our colleague Prof. Igor Farkaš, one of Slovakia’s leading experts in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and cognitive science. At the Centre for Cognitive Science, he has long focused on researching artificial neural network models and their applications in cognitive science and robotics. He has supervised 12 PhD students, founded the interdisciplinary Master’s degree programme in Cognitive Science, and secured numerous domestic and international research grants. Additionally, he has served for many years as the head of the Department of Applied Informatics.
In the category of Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia Under the Age of 35, the winner was Dr. František Herman from the Department of Experimental Physics, who returned to Slovakia after completing his postdoctoral studies at ETH Zurich. His research, conducted with a team of students, focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly superconductivity and the microscopic effects of disorder. He is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, having led several successful student research projects. He was also awarded the prestigious SASPRO2 grant.
In the category of Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia, the winner was Prof. Mária Bieliková, who previously worked at FEI and FIIT. One of her most notable achievements was founding the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies (KInIT), the first independent AI research institute in Slovakia.
We sincerely congratulate all the awardees and wish them continued creative success in the future.