Six Nobel laureates convened at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) this week for 'The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future,' co-hosted by HKU and the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. The event underscored the transformative role of fundamental research in addressing global challenges, from healthcare to economic resilience.
Discussions highlighted breakthroughs in physics and chemistry that have redefined atomic and molecular science, while also exploring universal principles governing complex systems in biology and finance. 'Fundamental discoveries are the bedrock of innovation,' said HKU President Zhang Xiang, emphasizing the need to translate scientific insights into real-world solutions.
Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel laureate in Physics and HKU chair professor, praised Hong Kong's academic ecosystem for fostering global collaboration. 'The region’s research infrastructure and openness to international talent are key drivers of progress,' he noted.
The forum coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Lindau Meetings, initially launched as a post-war reconciliation effort. Nikolaus Turner, executive director of the Lindau Meetings, stressed the importance of nurturing young researchers: 'Intergenerational dialogue ensures science remains a force for unity.'
Advice for aspiring scientists came from 2010 Physics laureate Konstantin Novoselov, who urged professionals to 'embrace curiosity and redefine boundaries,' while 2002 Chemistry laureate Kurt Wuthrich encouraged resilience: 'Trust your instincts—failure is part of discovery.'
As Asia solidifies its role in global research, events like this forum highlight Hong Kong’s growing influence in bridging scientific excellence with practical innovation.
