The delegates of the ELKH Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (in Hungarian: FI), Sopron commemorated the 175th anniversary of the birth of the world-renowned Hungarian scientist, Baron Roland Eötvös (in Hungarian: Loránd), during the world conference of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), organized in Berlin from July 11-20, 2023. The "Eötvös 175" exhibition, realized with the support of the ELKH Secretariat, was received with great interest by the international research community as many of them were already familiar with Eötvös' scientific achievements or had at least heard about the natural laws and physical quantities named after him. An authentic Eötvös balance, dating back to 1902 and brought from Sopron to Berlin exclusively for the event, garnered significant attention during the exhibition.
The Eötvös 175 booth at the Berlin IUGG international conference before the opening of the exhibition. The exhibitors (pictured here is István Bozsó) were already waiting for the visitors
IUGG is an international organization that brings together professionals conducting research in the field of quantitative Earth sciences. Its goal is to promote a deeper understanding of our planet and its cosmic environment through organizing programs and coordinating research. IUGG holds a world conference combined with a general assembly every four years. During the conference held in Berlin from July 11-20, 2023, just as at other similar events, delegates had the opportunity not only to attend scientific presentations, but also to participate in shaping the objectives and programs of IUGG. Additionally, they got the chance to maintain existing connections and establish new ones. At this year's event, FI researchers delivered numerous oral and poster presentations on their latest research achievements.
Feedback about the exhibition
Scientific exhibitions are frequently organized during major international conferences, where mainly new tools, technical innovations, or publishing opportunities are showcased that are interesting or useful for researchers. Many visitors appreciated the fact that the Eötvös 175 booth did not promote a product or service, but instead, it focused on the life and work of an outstanding scientist. For instance, a Dutch researcher noted that it is important to remember that science is made by people in the first place and not by organizations or instruments, and he was pleased that the exhibition conveyed this message.
Many visitors were thrilled to finally see the famous Eötvös balance, an instrument whose operating principle is taught at universities, but they had not yet had the opportunity to see it in person. Some asked about the pronunciation of the name 'Eötvös,' while others were surprised that Eötvös is, so to speak, 'running under two first names.' They did not understand why he is called Loránd in Hungarian when he is known as Roland by the international community.
Exhibitors Tibor Rubóczki (left) and Csilla Szárnya (right) with Odile Poulaine (center), the chief organizer of the international conference's exhibition area, with the 120-year-old Eötvös balance in the background.
Harald Schuh, director of the Geodesy department at the GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) in Potsdam, chairman of the local organizing committee of the Berlin conference, with the Eötvös balance. Harald Schuh is a great admirer of the Eötvös legacy. In April 2019, he also visited Budapest for the Eötvös 100 commemoration day.
Visitors at the Eötvös 175 booth during the Berlin IUGG international conference. Interested individuals from all around the world attended the exhibition.