The eighth annual ESET Science Award is accompanied by the public event ESET Science Talks, which will feature Professor Serge Haroche as this year’s guest. He will guide the audience through the fascinating world of quantum physics, which explores the laws of nature at the level of atoms and elementary particles. Understanding this microcosm today forms the foundation for many technologies of the future, from quantum computers to secure communications.

Through his experiments, Serge Haroche has made it possible to observe, measure, and manipulate individual quantum systems. For these groundbreaking methods, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012, together with David J. Wineland. This year, he also serves as chair of the international jury for the ESET Science Award.

The discussion will also address questions that go beyond physics: How do scientific discoveries change our world? What role does knowledge play in building trust, security, and a resilient society? And how can we make responsible decisions about its use? Professor Haroche will share his reflections on the role of science and the importance of critical thinking in times of rapid technological development and social change. The conversation will build on the theme of the eighth annual ESET Science Award: “The Responsibility of Knowledge.”

The event is presented by the ESET Foundation and ESET. It will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Old Market Hall in Bratislava. The discussion will be held in English without translation. It will be moderated by Daniel Stach, a host known for his work on the Czech Television program *Hyde Park Civilizace*. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. so that visitors can view the interactive exhibition “Paths to Knowledge” before the event begins. Admission is free, but registration is required at inviton.eu/e-22250.