This week, the Palace of Science – Miodrag Kostić Endowment welcomed Professor Dan Shechtman, the 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry. He received the award for his discovery of quasicrystals, a unique form of matter whose existence challenged the established scientific understanding of crystals.
Shechtman is an Israeli scientist and Professor Emeritus at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, he has researched the structure and properties of materials. Alongside his scientific work, he is dedicated to science communication and encouraging young people to explore the world around them. During his conversation at the Palace of Science, he shared his thoughts on how to nurture children's curiosity, make science accessible to the youngest audiences and encourage young people to pursue careers in science.
“Science should be introduced to children as early as possible – already in kindergarten,” Shechtman says. As examples, he spoke about initiatives he has personally been involved in: a science education programme introduced in 60 kindergartens, with teachers taking part voluntarily, and a television show for young audiences titled To Be a Scientist with Professor Dan.
When asked what he finds most rewarding about working with children, he highlighted their eagerness to ask questions. Children should be encouraged to ask about everything, he explained, because curiosity is one of the most important drivers of learning and discovery.
For young people in Serbia considering a career in science, he particularly recommended biology, physiology and medicine. In his view, these fields offer countless unanswered questions and opportunities for future generations, while also contributing to better health and an improved quality of life.
Professor Shechtman's visit gave us an opportunity to hear from a scientist whose discovery transformed an entire field of science, while reminding us of the importance of curiosity, the freedom to ask questions and introducing children to science from an early age.
Professor Dan Shechtman visited Serbia as a guest of the Vlatacom Institute.