Hungary Donates Unique Gömböc to the University of Cyprus
It is the first known homogeneous object with one stable and one unstable point of equilibrium.
The Embassy of Hungary in Cyprus donated a unique Gömböc to the University of Cyprus. The Gömböc (pronounced “goemboets”) is the first known homogeneous object with one stable and one unstable point of equilibrium.
The donation ceremony included a lecture titled “Natural Tilings: From Hard Rock to Soft Cells”, presented by Professor Gábor Domokos, the distinguished mathematician and inventor of the Gömböc. The event marked a milestone in strengthening Cyprus-Hungary ties in education and science, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of both countries’ EU accession and Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council.
Professor Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus, expressed gratitude to the Hungarian Embassy, highlighting the significance of the Gömböc’s serial number, 1992, which symbolizes the year the university welcomed its first students.
Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Krisztina Lakos emphasized that the donation reflects the strong collaborative and friendly relations between the Hungarian Embassy and the University of Cyprus. She explained that the Gömböc, created by Professors Gábor Domokos and Péter Várkonyi, is a groundbreaking mathematical invention. This convex, homogeneous 3D object always returns to its equilibrium position, showcasing unique geometric and physical properties.
During his lecture, Professor Domokos, from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the HUN-REN-BME Morphodynamics Research Group, delved into natural spatial patterns.
He explored connections between geology and biology, focusing on the cubic and curved geometric properties of natural structures. Highlighting examples such as the nautilus shell, he demonstrated how fragmented rocks transition into smooth biological shapes. Domokos also discussed how the Gömböc solved a long-standing mathematical riddle, providing valuable insights into self-correcting natural structures.
The Gömböc will be displayed in the exhibition area outside the Council-Senate Hall in the "Anastasios G. Leventis" Building on the University of Cyprus campus.
