Batumi born Nobel Prize Laureate Boris Alferov, received an Honorary Doctorate from Shota Rustaveli Batumi State University in June, 2001. Dr. Alferov is Director of the St. Petersburg Institute of Physics. He received the Nobel Prize for his research in high speed electric-technical physics.

The honorary degree was awarded during Dr. Alferov’s attendance at a meeting of the Scientific Board of the University. During ceremonies the distinguished scientist was presented with his doctorate, diploma and memorable gifts. Dr. Alferov will also lecture at the Laboratory of Physics at Shota Rustaveli University.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr.Alferov said, “I welcome so many deeds for the youth’s education in Adjara. In fact, your country passed through the civil war. At that time Adjara remained an island of peace. Despite the existing difficult living conditions in the country, the life goes its normal way in Adjara.”

The Physicist went on to say, “The title of Honored Doctor is a great reward and honor for me. I will visit your University and read lectures many times in future. The professors of your University are my old friends. Many enjoyable moments bound me with Batumi. We have agreed that in early October of the current year (2002) we shall hold an international symposium and invite prominent scientists and discuss, “Science and Culture – XXI Century Vision.”