Speech by Dr.Alexander L. Gusev at the Memorial Service at the University of Miami for the Patriarch of World Hydrogen Energy Dr. Turhan Nejat Veziroglu (13 November 2024, University of Miami)
Dear Relatives, Friends and Colleagues of Professor T.N. Veziroglu!
Today, we have gathered to honor the memory of Professor T.N. Veziroglu, the great scientist, patriarch of hydrogen energy, wonderful family man, beloved husband and father, dear friend, and charming person.
Professor Veziroglu devoted his entire life to the most important cause on Earth - the cause of protecting and preserving the ecology and climate of the Earth, raising the standard of living on the planet of People!
Since the time of Paracelsus, Groves, Mendeleyev and other great scientists, many pioneers and researchers have been involved in the problem of hydrogen application in one way or another. However, only Professor Veziroglu most fully systematized the results of the achieved discoveries in the field of obtaining, storing and using hydrogen energy, substantiated and created a coherent theory of the Hydrogen Civilization and acted as a preacher of the coming Hydrogen Era.
It was thanks to his Concept of Hydrogen Civilization, the Association he created and headed for half a century, and the First scientific journal in the world dedicated to the production, storage and use of hydrogen energy that the World immediately took bold steps in the field of conquering hydrogen energy in the 20th century. Then the first examples of hydrogen technology were created in aviation, astronautics, the navy, transport, everyday life, medicine, the chemical industry, the confectionery industry and the national economy. In the 21st century, we are already seeing significant progress in the creation of hydrogen technologies in all spheres of human life. After the coronavirus pandemic, the world finally embarked on the path of the Great Energy Transition to create an environmentally friendly carbon-free economy and preserve life on Earth.
The great scientist - Professor Veziroglu lived a bright life, full of romance and scientific discoveries, left an outstanding contribution to various areas of science - chemistry, physics, thermodynamics, cryogenics, sensorics and many other areas that form the basis of the Hydrogen Civilization. Dr.V was able to create, develop and leave to Humanity the Great Treasury of discoveries, scientific works, concepts in the field of Hydrogen Energy, the International Association of Hydrogen Energy, the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. He made such a bright, enormous volume and quality scientific contribution to the world treasury of fundamental and practical science, which perhaps no other famous scientist has left.
Today we mourn Dr. V very much.
We miss him very much, he was an extraordinary example of Divine Kindness, Love, Attention, Charm, Friendship, Selflessness, Responsibility and Integrity, Romanticism, Fortitude, Faith in the possibilities of Humanity to create a more perfect Energy and Transport systems for all of us.
Since his death on September 5, the pain of losing this Person dear to all of us has not subsided for a single day.
A huge irreparable loss was suffered by Dr. V's family - his wife Ayfer and children Emre and Lili, close relatives. Dr. V loved his family, loved ones and all of us very much.
For me, Professor T.N. Veziroglu was the closest and truest friend, whom I have always loved and will always love. For me, he was an example of all the highest human qualities. He came to my aid many times in difficult times and helped me like no one else. I always feel the unceasing pain of losing a Friend.
Recently, my colleagues and I, members of the IAAEE Association and members of the ISJAEE Editorial Board, prepared a special issue of the International Scientific Journal for Alternative Energy and Ecology and successfully held the HYDROGEN-2024 conference dedicated to the Memory of Professor T.N. Veziroglu. And in our Decision, we decided to establish annual Readings dedicated to the memory of Professor T.N. Veziroglu and to establish an international award in honor of Professor T.N. Veziroglu.
The name of the founder of the Concepts of Hydrogen Energy and Hydrogen Civilization, the Great Hydrogen Romantic, the Great Scientist, the preacher of the Hydrogen Era, the Man beloved by all of us will shine for centuries in the Great Treasury of Knowledge and Technologies of all Humanity.
I would like to finish my short Speech with the words of the famous scientist and poet Abulkasim Firdausi:
“Everything in the world will be covered with the dust of oblivion,
Only two know neither death nor decay:
Only the deed of a hero and the speech of a sage
Centuries pass, not knowing the end.”
Professor Veziroglu became not only a great Scientist - Sage, but also a Hero - Creator of the Hydrogen Era.
Dear Dr.V, you are forever in our hearts, we love you. We will remember you as long as our hearts beat.
Today, as we reflect on the remarkable legacy of Professor T.N. Veziroglu, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the world of hydrogen energy and beyond. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of environmental sustainability and technological innovation have paved the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
As we continue to build upon the foundation laid by Professor Veziroglu, it is essential to uphold his values of kindness, love, and selflessness in our pursuit of scientific excellence. The establishment of annual readings and an international award in his honor serves as a testament to his enduring influence and the indelible mark he has left on the scientific community.
In the spirit of Professor Veziroglu's pioneering work, let us strive to push the boundaries of hydrogen technology and embrace the challenges of creating a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, we can honor his memory and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.
As we bid farewell to a true luminary in the field of hydrogen energy, we carry forward his vision of a world powered by clean and renewable resources. Professor T.N. Veziroglu may have left us, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his wisdom, generosity, and passion for a better tomorrow. Thank you, Dr. V, for your invaluable contributions and enduring legacy.