Nobel

Brussels, August 2016.

Around the buildings, as it is common in this type of campus, you have to cross parking lots protected by barriers. Lost tourists or nearby supermarket consumers shall be prevented to seize this area dedicated to duly listed academics.
Once past the barrier, identical surfaces, separated by painted strips, are all available. All … almost: a small row, shaded, is attributed to the university top management; here the Dean, there the President. Then, close to them, this curious place is reserved to the academic elite.
Upon inquiry, only one person, a theoretical physicist, is authorized to occupy it: 81 years old at the time of the award in 2013, he still teaches, therefore enabling his university to “score points” in the Shanghai ranking. 5 square meters of asphalt and a dedicated panel are a small price to pay for so much scientific credit.