President Peter Pellegrini appointed 30 new professors at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava on Tuesday, presenting the appointment decrees to academics working in fields such as history, molecular biology and design.
In his speech, the head of state emphasised the professors' shared mission: fostering the development of talent.
"You represent a truly diverse range of professions, within which you undoubtedly have your own professional, research or artistic tasks, as well as goals. You represent the natural sciences, medicine, economics and the arts, but also fields such as religious studies and philosophy. It is as if this gathering today reflects the true diversity of our lives. Yet you are also united by a common mission: fostering the development of talent. "The effort to ensure that our universities educate young people who are exceptionally qualified in their fields and prepared to contribute to the development of our country as well as to its economic, social, and cultural progress," said Pellegrini.
The Head of State also emphasised that in today's world, education is the most important resource, because talent and skills matter more in modern society.
The President also told the newly appointed professors that they can help to improve the social climate. "Social conflicts have never benefited us, and they don't benefit us now, either. Of course, every democracy involves debate and political struggle. Criticism must also be voiced, no matter how harsh or unpleasant it may sometimes be. However, all of this can exist within the framework of ethical and cultural standards, which the academic community has set very high," noted the president.
Source: TASR
