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"I am proud that even in the laboratories of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, there has been progress in testing for a new type of virus and that our scientific community is involved in efforts to better identify, treat and eliminate it," states Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic, among other things, in a New Year's greeting letter addressed to the President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Pavol Šajgalík, as well as the members of the academic community. At the same time, the President of the Slovak Republic is worried that scientific knowledge is currently under unprecedented fire. She all the more appreciates the courage of scientists to enter into a public debate and expose themselves to criticism of their opinions. We publish the letter of the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Čaputová, in full.

Mr President,

under normal circumstances, we would meet at this time of year in the Grassalkovich Palace for the traditional New Year's reception of the academic community. Unfortunately, as you certainly understand, it is not possible to hold our meeting this time due to the unfavourable pandemic situation.

Instead, allow me to greet you at least in writing and ask you to pass on this letter to the colleagues at the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

First of all, I would like to appreciate the contribution of the Slovak scientists during the pandemic situation. I am proud that in the laboratories of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, there has been progress in testing for a new type of virus and that our scientific community is involved in efforts to better identify, treat and eliminate it.

As you yourself reminded us in your New Year's wishes, despite the serious times, we should not focus all our attention only on the unions that are directly related to the pandemic. I hope that the current situation will help to better explain the societal significance of all scientific disciplines and that one of its positive consequences will also be the development of basic research infrastructure.

I am sorry that scientific knowledge is under unprecedented fire these days. I appreciate the courage of scientists to enter into the public debate and expose themselves to criticism of their opinions. I will be seeking ways to persuade the public and state officials to always base the decisions of the public authorities on facts.

Mr President,

I wish you and the entire Slovak scientific community good health, professional achievements and many nice moments with your loved ones in 2021.

Sincerely,

Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic

Foto: TASR