Sir Roger Penrose, emeritus Rouse Ball professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford, fellow of Wadham College, Nobel Laureate in Physics received on September 24th 2021 the Erasmus Medal, the highest recognition of Academia Europaea. The ceremony, which was constrained in size by COVID restrictions, was hosted at Wadham College by Warden Robert Hannigan CMG. The laudatio of Sir Roger was read by Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, earlier recipient of the Erasmus Medal. The Erasmus Medal was presented to Sir Roger by Professor Ole Petersen, Vice President of the Academy. Based on a decision of the Academy, this year’s Erasmus medal was complemented by the individual Gömböc model 1466, carrying the year of birth of Erasmus. Beyond the individual number and the Gömböc logo, G1466 also carries a Penrose Triangle as a special engraving. Gömböc 1466 was transported from Budapest to London by the Hungarian diplomatic service and it was presented to Sir Roger Penrose by H.E. Ferenc Kumin, Ambassador of Hungary in London. (The brief transcript of the Ambassador’s address can be read here.)
The production of the 90mm tall Gömböc model, made from AlMgSi-alloy was sponsored by Mr. Ottó Albrecht.
Video recording of the presentation:
Special interview with Sir Roger Penrose after receiving the Erasmus medal and the Gömböc: