The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) successfully hosted the Nobel Symposium, which engaged over 450 students, faculty members, and public guests. Held as part of the celebrations for HKUST's 35th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of IAS, this academic event, themed "Horizons Unbound: Exploring the Ultimate Frontiers of Science," showcased insights from some of the most influential scientific minds globally.
Through inspiring discussions, the speakers examined science's transformative power in shaping humanity's future. The symposium provided a platform for these leaders to collaborate with HKUST faculty, students, alumni, and researchers in exploring the furthest frontiers of science, further reinforcing the university's commitment to serving as a hub for knowledge exchange and talent development.
The four keynote speakers include:
Prof. Paul C. W. CHU
- President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus, HKUST
- Founding Director, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
- Professor of Physics, T. L. L. Temple Chair of Science, University of Houston
Prof. Steven CHU
- 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics, of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University
Prof. Takaaki KAJITA
- 2015 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- Distinguished University Professor, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of Tokyo
Prof. Brian P. SCHMIDT
- 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University
Prof. Paul C. W. Chu remarked that the establishment of HKUST IAS creates an academic hub for internet intelligence, learning, and innovation-a transformative platform that drives future advancements in science, technology, and education. By fostering a dynamic ecosystem of interdisciplinary collaboration, IAS aspires to become one of the world's leading centers of research and intellectual inquiry. Here, it will harness the collective expertise to drive groundbreaking discoveries and fuel the innovations that shape the global landscape of tomorrow. Prof. Chu also described a new approach that could enable high-temperature superconductivity without applying high pressure, potentially paving the way toward ambient-condition superconductivity. If realized, the impact would be profound.
Prof. Steven Chu delivered a message to young innovators, emphasizing that pioneering advancements in the energy frontier not only push the boundaries of science but also lead to technologies that profoundly benefit humanity. He noted that in physics, the power of deep thought and fundamental understanding enables people to unravel complex challenges and design solutions once considered impossible. Prof. Chu also emphasized the impacts of climate change and global warming, warning of dire consequences if these issues are not addressed promptly.
Prof. Takaaki Kajita highlighted that neutrinos continue to play a pivotal role in bridging our understanding of the universe's smallest particles and its grandest scales. Their elusive nature challenges the boundaries of the Standard Model, as evidenced by the discovery of their tiny mass-a breakthrough that fuels both experimental and theoretical quests to uncover physics beyond their current frameworks.
Prof. Brian P. Schmidt mentioned unless dark energy somehow disappears-which is highly unlikely-the universe will keep expanding at an ever-accelerating pace, eventually fading into emptiness and leaving cosmologists like him out of job. But that's the beauty of science: it is not about what we want to be true; it's about putting ideas to the test.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP extended her deepest gratitude to the Nobel Laureates and Prof. Paul C. W. Chu for their visionary insights and inspiring contributions to the symposium. She remarked, "HKUST was founded in 1991 with a commitment to excellence in research and education, the advancement of discovery, and the pursuit of meaningful societal impact. The symposium further reflects this commitment by bringing together distinguished scientists whose work has profoundly shaped our understanding of the world. They exemplify how the pursuit of knowledge-guided by passion and perseverance-can shape academic communities and cultivate environments where scholarship thrives and future generations are empowered."
The symposium concluded with a renewed focus on HKUST's role in advancing global scientific collaboration. The discussions and ideas generated during the event will continue to resonate across academia and industry, reinforcing the University's vision as a beacon of knowledge and innovation.
