Naveen Confers Prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize to Belgian Scientist Erik Jacquemyn

Bhubaneswar: The prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the year 2017 has been conferred to eminent international expert in science communication Erik Jacquemyn of Belgium today.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik presented the prize here at a function at the Institute of Physics.

According to a release, Jacquemyn was felicitated for popularization of science for the year 2017. He is also a specialist in development and management of science centres and science and interactive museums worldwide.

Notably, former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had instituted the Kalinga Prize in 1951 for popularization of science globally. So far 69 scientists and science communicators from 25 countries have been adorned with this coveted award including Jacquemyn.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “We need to follow the footprints of Biju Babu in spreading wings of scientific temper far and wide, so that the common man gets the benefits of science and technological advancements”.