President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Dear friends!
As I open this ceremony I would like to welcome the leading Russian and foreign scientists, representatives of business and social organisations who are gathered here today.
Russia has been awarding this prize for already five years now. Today it brings together more than 1200 energy specialists from 47 countries actively participating in extremely different categories. Over the years it has evolved into a truly authoritative international prize. Its laureates comprise 17 famous scientists from 8 countries.
I would especially note the Global Energy prize for youth. Its participants are literally growing before our eyes and 73 young scientists have already received significant help from the fund: half a million ruble grants for research.
You know that Russia has recently markedly strengthened its position in the global energy market.
Our country is not only investing in increasing production and exports of energy resources but also in developing energy infrastructure. Fundamental research in this area was and remains important for us. I am referring to the development of energy efficient technology and improving the energy efficiency of production. And, of course, it is precisely science that is able to expand the boundaries of our knowledge about new types of energy.
I would emphasize that we are talking about research with a long-term perspective. Usually during forums it is pleasant to be able to quote wise individuals and I will also do so. As Confucius said ”someone who does not think about far off difficulties inevitably has troubles that are close by“. And it usually happens that way in life. And today it is essential to be able to look beyond the horizons that we have already achieved. To find qualitatively new solutions to resolve growing problems such as the exhaustion of hydrocarbon energy sources and energy poverty.
We are convinced that paying attention to ground-breaking scientific technologies represents a serious step towards being able to reliably ensure the energy security of humankind. And ultimately to improve the quality of life of both present and future generations.
Dear friends, this year's prize winners include member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Eduard Petrovich Volkov and renowned Canadian scholar, Doctor Clement Bowman. They are being honoured for the research and establishment of technologies for developing synthetic fuels and thus helping meet the global energy demand.
Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Oleg Nikolaevich Favorsky is also here. His new contribution to science consists in research in the field of applied gas dynamics and also in developing highly efficient gas turbine engines and gas compressors.
I want to congratulate everyone who has won a prestigious award and wish you new scientific advances for the benefit of humanity. And to express my appreciation to the founders of the prize (including Russia's leading energy companies, indeed the world's leading energy companies) for cooperation in promoting energy dialogue.
I am sure that the Global Energy prize will continue to serve as a landmark for fundamental research in the field of energy. It will stimulate new breakthrough studies and, of course, develop the international cooperation that is so important for us.
Thank you for your attention.
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You know, I think that our Global Energy prize is becoming a very serious, important prize similar to other international awards such as the Nobel Prize. Because when we award it the list of participants and the year are not subject to any changes and we just witnessed this ourselves. But seriously, of course we are very pleased that the number of awardees is increasing and includes illustrious specialists in the energy sphere, in the fundamental sciences. It is very exciting that we have a youth prize. All of this represents a guarantee that humankind will be able to cope with the challenges that it faces today. A guarantee that scientific expertise in this area both in Russia and in other countries is being strengthened and developed and that we will be able to find answers to the most complex issues facing humankind today.
Again, I would like to heartily congratulate the winners. I wish them health and success in the work to which they have devoted their lives.
Thank you.