LEADING VOICES ON ART OF MOLECULE:
"Unparalleled in ethics and communication efforts – no comparable centre has achieved this level of creativity and public engagement.“
Review Board, Swiss National Science Foundation
Review Board, Swiss National Science Foundation
Art of Molecule to me is a wonderful idea whose time has come. The foundation of world-class science at the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, and a sensitivity to both ethics, and art, the building in of the latter from the very foundation of the project, that is exciting. And unique. I feel privileged to have contributed in one small part of this enterprise this past year, and look forward to participating in its work. A center on the Art and Ethics of the Molecule, part of a European network for Societal Discourse of Engineering Life, would nourish the interaction of scientists, engineers, ethicists, and artists. It’s a great idea, with intellectual and artistic depth, and will contribute internationally to all the disciplines involved. The idea is original, and I would be pleased to take part in its work as it becomes a reality.
Roald Hoffmann, Frank H.T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters Emeritus, Nobel-Laureate in Chemistry
Roald Hoffmann, Frank H.T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters Emeritus, Nobel-Laureate in Chemistry
"I would like to express our profound appreciation for the enduring and fruitful collaboration we have cultivated with the Art of Molecule (AoM) platform for ethical discourse on engineering life under your visionary leadership. Since its inception in 2018, initiated by you and PAL, our partnership has demonstrated a remarkable ability to address the complex ethical challenges associated with the complex field of engineering life research. This collaboration has grown into a truly impactful endeavour, marked by shared insights and mutual respect. Looking back, the synergy between PAL and AoM has been instrumental in fostering critical societal discourse on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Your leadership and AoM's dedication to fostering societal discourse on the ethics of life sciences continue to inspire us."
Archbishop Vincenco Paglia, Vatican
Archbishop Vincenco Paglia, Vatican
"When we set out to think about the future, in whatever form, it can only be done today if we become very clear about who we are and where we come from. Combining both is the essence of society and in this way a principle for science and art. In fact, it is the only possible principle because it describes the responsibility that must guide everything.
That certainly does not make things easier, but in many ways better because more human. The classification is important, the human dimension must remain the measure of all things! Before you get answers, and not necessarily the ones you want, you have to ask the right questions. And that is only possible if one is open and seeks the encounter, the exchange. Shakespeare - one of the greatest human connoisseurs - says in Hamlet "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy." That sounds like a school wisdom too, but is much, much more!"
Klaus Maria Brandauer, actor, on the occasion of the opening of AoM’s Berta Zuckerkandl Saloon at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel.
That certainly does not make things easier, but in many ways better because more human. The classification is important, the human dimension must remain the measure of all things! Before you get answers, and not necessarily the ones you want, you have to ask the right questions. And that is only possible if one is open and seeks the encounter, the exchange. Shakespeare - one of the greatest human connoisseurs - says in Hamlet "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy." That sounds like a school wisdom too, but is much, much more!"
Klaus Maria Brandauer, actor, on the occasion of the opening of AoM’s Berta Zuckerkandl Saloon at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel.
"Times are changing: While today the communication between people often takes place via Facebook, Instagram or Whatsapp, meetings in the salon were a normal part of social life in former times. The salons in Vienna were something very special: they were places for networking, discussion and thought. But they were also places of emancipation, as female Salonnière such as Berta Zuckerkandl played a key role there. All the more tragic and painful therefore was the end of the Salon culture in Vienna through annexation and Shoah. However, it is important for us today as well to create visitable places where we can get to know each other and where dialogue and exchange can unfold. This creates respect and understanding for the opinion of the other and contributes to a functioning cooperation. Therefore, I am pleased about the initiative of Art of Molecule to create such a place of dialogue with "Berta's Saloon" and I wish you all the best for your work!"
Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria, on the occasion of the opening of AoM’s Berta Zuckerkandl Saloon at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel.
Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria, on the occasion of the opening of AoM’s Berta Zuckerkandl Saloon at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel.