University of Nova Gorica hosted the American astronaut Sunita Lyn Williams
The University of Nova Gorica has hosted today Sunita Lyn Williams, one of the most successful American astronauts of Slovenian descent.
Sunita Williams came to Slovenia at the invitation of the Vice-president of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and Minister for Slovenians living abroad, Matej Arčon, and the Vice-president of the Slovenian government and Minister for foreign and European affairs Tanja Fajon. At the University of Nova Gorica she was received by the Vice-president of the Government Matej Arčon and the Rector of the University of Nova Gorica Prof. Dr. Boštjan Golob.
The main part of the visit was devoted to a conversation with the guest, which was led by Prof. Dr. Andreja Gomboc from the Centre for astrophysics and cosmology of the University of Nova Gorica. The event was visited by the University’s students and staff members as well as by the secondary school students from the Goriška region, Vipava valley and the regions across the border. Sunita Williams answered a number of questions related to her life and work at the International space station and her latest mission which had unexpectedly became longer - instead of the planned eight days, she had spent almost nine months in space.
During her visit, Sunita Williams pointed out the importance of science and international cooperation: »The University of Nova Gorica is really extraordinary. The science which has been created here is really fantastic. It is really science that connects us. It is impressive to see how wide the University’s impact is in various fields and how important it is to cooperate with other universities, companies and institutions in the world. It is very nice to see people working together. When I think about limitations, I realise that there are none - there are no limitations for cooperation, mutual work and sharing of ideas«.
At the occasion, the Rector of the University of Nova Gorica, professor Boštjan Golob, thanked Sunita Williams, the Vice-president of the Slovenian government and Minister Matej Arčon and the whole Government for organising the visit. He also emphasised the importance of recognising the University’s excellence: »We are pleased that they have recognised the excellence of our University and that they have made the visit possible at our place as well. I am confident that this event will be very motivational for our staff members and students as well as future students. At the University of Nova Gorica we offer exceptional opportunities for study and research. We have a research group in the field of astrophysics which is the biggest in Slovenia, and which has accomplished extraordinary results - for the time being, the group members are all doing their work here on Earth, we have not sent anyone to space yet«, he added with a smile.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Matej Arčon, emphasised the importance of connecting Slovenians living at home and abroad: »Our guiding aim is to show the potential Slovenia has outside its borders. Over the past years, we have successfully connected various fields at home and abroad, and now we are in the process of upgrading this cooperation. It is an extraordinary potential, which we must use - both for the purpose of promoting Slovenia and strengthening mutual connections. It is truly precious that Mrs Williams is conscious of her Slovenian roots, as she also stands for a great bridge of connection within her own professional field. I appreciate it very much and I am proud that we have hosted such a renowned astronout in our region«.
During her visit, Sunita Williams also visited the Laboratory for materials research and the Laboratory for quantum optics of the University of Nova Gorica, where the guest was aquianted with the University’s research work and achievements in the field of natural sciences and advanced technologies.
Prepared by: Andreja Leban, Public Relations
