Bodossaki Excellence Award goes to two distinguished scientists

Even the pure white marble statues of Konstantinos and Evangelis Zappas on either side of the grand entrance were glowing in the afternoon June sun. Surprisingly, however, the temperature was pleasantly mild within the Zappeion colonnade, where the Bodossaki Excellence Award ceremony was again held this year, presided over by the president of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

The ceremony, held late last month, was beautiful, with both awardees and audience clearly equally moved. The former saw their immense contributions recognized by the Bodossaki Foundation, a Greek organization with a global reputation. The attendees in turn felt genuine pride in their compatriots, in an era of decline in which sensationalism generally trumps hard work. It felt as if the merits of these individuals acted as a balm for what we are so often presented with in the news or in reality TV...