Welcome address by Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, at the presentation ceremony of the Order of St. Stephen of Hungary

"In science ... triumph depends not on the multitude of armies, but on individual heroes, and we need such heroes to conquer a land for us Hungarians in the world of science."

Honourable Mr Speaker!
Honourable Mr. President Áder!
Honourable Prime Minister! 
Honourable Ministers! 
Distinguished Honouree!
Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is more than one hundred and twenty years since Loránd Eötvös, physicist, academician and university professor, spoke about the mission of Hungarian heroes who made significant contributions in the world of science. 
He saw what the Hungarian mind was capable of, and had faith in the future. He knew that as an educated nation, we Hungarians could be co-builders of the grand hall of science.

However, for the heroes of Eötvös's triumphant vision to arrive, many things had to come together. It required the unstinting diligence of the most talented and knowledgeable Hungarians, excellent universities offering the highest quality education, the right working environment and adequate financial resources.

We know many Hungarians whose knowledge, talent and diligence have lifted them to great heights. Who have managed to overcome many obstacles that seemed insurmountable. With their creations and inventions, they became important for our country and for many others. Yet, only a very few could reach the highest heights. They are the ones who are world conquerors in science. They are the ones who advance humanity, who bring glory to the Hungarian name. Our honouree today is such a man. Physicist Ferenc Krausz, a man we are all proud of in Hungary. 

The Nobel Prize in Physics validates the results of many years of research and persistent experimentation. Ferenc Krausz and his colleagues have given humankind new tools to study the movements and energy variations of the electrons that make up atoms. With this, they opened up infinite horizons.

The ray of light with which Ferenc Krausz illuminates the world makes a previously completely unknown dimension visible.

The dazzling discovery could save lives in medicine, renew many theorems in physics and chemistry, and make other researchers rethink theories. It sets the world in motion. All this has happened because there was one of us who, through persistent work and brilliant insights, kept pace with international science, and at one point broke through to the front and created something unique. His success is a world success, and it lifts us Hungarians to the heights.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

On the thousand-year anniversary of the founding of our state and on the Feast of King St.Stephen, the best way to pay tribute to the nation is to hold up the great men and women of our past and present as role models. That is why we are awarding our country's highest honour, the Order of St. Stephen of Hungary, here at Sándor Palace, year after year.

Among those present, there may be few who are experts in radiation physics and supermicroscopes, but our honouree’s Nobel Prize, Wolf Prize, and research achievements speak for themselves. 

Thanks to his achievements, we have moved forward on issues that shape the destiny of humanity. All this was matched by his love of his country. He has remained Hungarian abroad, helping future Hungarian researchers and scientists. He assumes responsibility for Hungarian scientific life.

Dear Ferenc Krausz!

On our national holiday, you are honoured with the Order of St. Stephen of Hungary. On behalf of the Hungarian nation, I offer my heartfelt congratulations!

(Sándor Palace, 20 August 2024)