The “Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia Under the Age of 35” award was given by the award’s ambassador, Ružena Bajcsy, to Marián Janík, an expert in quantum electronics at the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (ElÚ SAV), where he works on developing technologies for quantum computers. His research focuses primarily on quantum dots—nanoscale devices capable of trapping and controlling a single electron. Through modeling and simulations, he seeks to determine the optimal design of quantum dots for use as spin qubits. He completed his doctoral studies at the prestigious Austrian institute, ISTA. Despite a promising career abroad, he chose to return to Slovakia, supported in part by the “fellowQUTE” program from the National Centre for Quantum Technologies (QUTE.sk). His ambition is to establish a world-class research group in Slovakia that, in addition to achieving scientific results, places a strong emphasis on the personal growth of young scientists—based on his belief that only a content scientist can be truly productive.
“For me, my children are the best school of science. They explore for the sake of knowing—not to publish, to secure a job, or to win awards. In a way, they are excellent career coaches for me. They truly enjoy and savor the process of discovery, and they have a deep desire to understand everything. When we celebrate scientists today, we are celebrating people who have preserved this childlike sense of wonder—who have refined it and turned ‘wondering’ into a professional pursuit,” said M. Janík in his address. In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the institutions that shaped him and emphasized the vital role of his family: “I want to thank my wife and children, above all for their patience—because a scientist’s identity cannot simply be switched off at five in the afternoon—and also for teaching me how to wonder once again.”
The laureates in the categories of “Outstanding Scientific Personality in Slovakia” and “Outstanding Scientific Personality under 35” were selected by an international committee composed of renowned scientists from various fields. The committee was chaired by Serge Haroche, a French physicist and recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded for his groundbreaking experimental methods that enable the measurement and manipulation of individual quantum systems. Other members of the committee included Samuel Bernard (materials chemistry), Marjolein de Jong (medicine and care for breast cancer patients), Pavel Hobza (theoretical chemistry), Dominique Joye (sociology), Shelley McKeown Jones (social psychology), Silvia Ramundo (molecular plant biology), and Jean-Robert Tyran (economics).
We congratulate Marián and wish him much success in his future work!
Source: SAV.sk – Katarína Gáliková, Seesame – Paulína Mihoková
Photo: Linda Kisková Bohušová
Additional sources:
sme.sk, denníkn.sk, teraz.sk, aktuality.sk, zoznam.sk
TV Markíza report:
Markíza.sk – Televízne Noviny 16.10.2026
