Nobel laureates forum underscores significance of fundamental research

HONG KONG, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings on Monday co-hosted "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future," convening six Nobel laureates for thought-provoking discussions on how fundamental research drives progress in science, technology, health, and the global economy.

The forum featured panel discussions to explore how fundamental discoveries in physics and chemistry unlocked new possibilities at the atomic and molecular levels, and to examine universal principles governing complex systems across biology and finance.

"Through the insights of six Nobel laureates, we hope we can learn how to advance fundamental science, translate discoveries into practical applications, and benefit humanity," said HKU President Zhang Xiang.

Nikolaus Turner, executive director of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, expressed delight in bringing the Nobel Heroes to Hong Kong this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the meetings.

"We hope to attract even more talent from Hong Kong while building partnerships to sustain the unique intergenerational exchanges between young researchers and Nobel laureates," said Turner.

Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics laureate and HKU chair professor of Laser Physics, said Hong Kong's scientific research is making continued progress by dint of its accommodating academic environment and ability to foster global cooperation.

Konstantin Novoselov, 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics laureate, highlighted professionalism in science -- taking pleasure in solving problems and breaking boundaries.

Kurt Wuthrich, 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate, encouraged young scientists to trust their own judgements and take failure in their stride.

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, initially for physics, chemistry, physiology and medicine and extended into economics in 2004, were founded in 1951 as "a post-war reconciliation initiative" and have become an international forum for global academic issues. ■