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SAS is preparing a special event for the commemoration of November 1989. High school students were invited to visit its premises, and a program dedicated to revolutionary events was prepared. Many of the faces of the Velvet Revolution come from the biggest research institution in Slovakia, which played an important role during the revolutionary period.

"In November 1989, many scientists joined the protests organized by students and artists. SAS scientists advocated democratization and fundamental changes in society. Along with artists and students, they were the most active participants in social changes. "Several SAS employees worked in the leadership of a new political force - Public Against Violence," informs Adam Hudek from the Institute of History SAS.

The 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution will be commemorated on Monday, November 18, at the SAS Great Hall, with the participation of Zora Bútorová and Peter Zajac. The discussion will be hosted by the historian Agáta Šustová Drelová. A generous space within the program is reserved for students' questions and discussion. Schools from different parts of Slovakia signed up for the event.

During the revolutionary years, Zora Bútorová worked at the then Department of Science Theory and Prognosis at the Computing Centre of SAS Operations. Peter Zajac is still an employee of the Institute of Slovak Literature SAS. Historian Agáta Šustová Drelová deals with the research of recent history, focusing on the cultural and intellectual history of Central Europe since the end of the Second World War.

Edited by Monika Tináková

Graphics: Natália Feriančeková