Prime Minister of Hungary, Gordon Bajnai, visited Hungarian-born physics and astronomy faculty on Wednesday September 23^rd. After his talk given for the East European Center in the School of International and Public Affairs, the Hungarian PM walked across Columbia campus to visit Professor Szabolcs Márka's laboratory.

Professor Márka and Astronomy Professor Zoltán Haiman gave an introduction to their research in the fields of gravitational wave astrophysics and cosmology. Prime Minister Bajnai expressed his interest in science by asking numerous thoughtful questions. The Consul, government spokesperson, other dignitaries and journalists accompanying the Prime Minister also expressed their interest in research at Columbia and enjoyed their visit to the laboratory.

The event had very positive coverage in the Hungarian press. Prime Minister Bajnai left for Barack Obama's UN reception from Pupin Hall. 

Astronomy Professor Zoltán Haiman, Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and Physics Professor Szabolcs Márka walk across campus to Pupin building. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)

Professor Haiman, Prime Minister Bajnai, Professor Márka and Assistant State Secretary Gábor Fadgyas discuss the important place of Columbia Physics and Astronomy in the history of science. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)

Professor Márka explains the operation of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and the future of gravitational wave astronomy to Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)

Professor Marka explains to Prime Minister Bajnai how collision of two black holes leads to emission of gravitational waves. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)

Professor Haiman talks about the early Universe and his research in cosmology to Prime Minister Bajnai.

Associate Research Scientist Zsuzsa Márka, Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and Professor Szabolcs Márka discuss details of the Márka group's altruistic science project related to optical studies of the mosquito sensory system to mitigate malaria transmission.

Professor Márka talks to the Hungarian press, government spokesperson Bernadett Budai and Prime Minister Bajnai about his research in gravitational wave astrophysics.

Professor Haiman and Professor Márka receive coin-medals from Prime Minister Bajnai. (Photo: Wallenstein V. Róbert)