Aurel Stodola– The Technical Scientist of Slovakia

 

 

Aurel Stodola was born on 10 May 1859 in the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. His technical talent was already evident at school-age, therefore after completing his education at secondary grammar schools in Levoča and Košice he went on to study at the Technical University in Budapest.

 

 As an exceptionally successful student, Aurel Stodola earned a scholarship and the opportunity to study at the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich. He completed his studies in 1884, graduating from the Sorbonne in Paris. 

 

After working for a short time in Slovakia, he worked at several engineering plants in Prague. In 1892, he was invited as an excellent expert by the Technical University in Zurich as a lecturer for the newly-established Machine Construction Department. He lectured at the university until 1929.

Barack Obama–Noble Peace Prize 2009

Alfred Nobel was interested in social issues.Perhaps his interest in peace was also due to the use of his inventions in warfare and assassination attempts? He developed a special engagement in the peace movement. An important factor in Nobel’s interest in peace was his acquaintance with Bertha von Suttner.  Peace was the fifth and final prize area that Nobel mentioned in his will.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.