The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted "Nobel Heroes@HKUST", a special forum featuring four Nobel Laureates who engaged in close interactions with over 400 students, faculty members, and public guests on January 13th. Held as highlight of HKUST's 35th anniversary celebrations, the event underscored the University's dedication to bridging world-renowned scholars with the local community and reinforcing its role as a leading hub for knowledge and talent development.
A group photo of the four Nobel Laureates Prof. Tim HUNT (fifth right), Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (forth right), Prof. Robert C. MERTON (sixth left), Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (fifth left), HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP (sixth right), HKUST senior management and our esteemed guests. Photo source: HKUST
The Nobel Laureates—honored in Physiology or Medicine, Economic Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics—shared their personal research journeys and insights into the boundless world of scientific discovery. Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO, the forum included vibrant Q&A sessions that explored pressing global challenges and the future of innovation. The distinguish Nobel Laureates were:
Prof. Tim HUNT (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2001), recognized for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle;
Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998), honored for revealing the role of nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system;
Prof. Robert C. MERTON (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 1997), acclaimed for developing a new method to determine the value of derivatives
Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (Nobel Prize in Physics 2010), distinguished for groundbreaking experiments on the two-dimensional material graphene.
Prof. Hunt shared the journey of his team's discovery of the cell cycle regulator, noting that it was initially deemed "theoretically impossible" by the academic community. However, through years of persistent research and repeated verification, they ultimately succeeded in confirming the existence and function of this factor. He emphasized that researchers should focus on exploring fundamental scientific questions with significant impact, rather than being constrained by their immediate practical applications.
Prof. Ignarro recalled how an accidental observation of a postdoctoral researcher's cigarette smoke inspired him to reveal the property of nitric oxide in dilating arteries. He emphasized the importance of curiosity in scientific research and encouraged researchers to embrace innovative thinking and forge their own paths. He also encouraged young researchers to uphold a never-give-up spirit. Drawing on his personal experiences in sports such as baseball, he stressed that the key to success lies in “playing to win,” not merely seeking enjoyment.
Prof. Merton inspired the audience with an analogy from the investment world: risk and return are inseparable—the greater the risk undertaken, the higher the potential return. He emphasized that to pursue more promising opportunities, one must be prepared to accept a corresponding increase in uncertainty.
Prof. Novoselov pointed out that research work should be grounded in genuine passion and curiosity, rather than chasing fleeting trends that lack long-term value. He advised researchers to choose fields that can consistently ignite their enthusiasm for inquiry, avoiding the pitfall of giving up midway due to a mere whim.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP extended her heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished Nobel Laureates and the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings for this exceptional partnership, which meaningfully coincides with HKUST's 35th‑anniversary celebrations. She remarked, "Education is not a one-way transmission of facts; it is a vibrant dialogue that stretches the imagination and reshapes assumptions. Today's dialogue is not just an opportunity to meet these esteemed scientists; it is a chance to engage with the very essence of scientific inquiry and discovery. The journeys of our Nobel Laureates exemplify the spirit of curiosity, creativity, innovation, and resilience that we strive to nurture at HKUST. Their achievements demonstrate that science knows no boundaries and that collaboration across disciplines and borders is essential for addressing the challenges we face."
Co-organized by HKUST, Laureates City Holdings Limited, Red Carpet Investments Limited, and Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited, and proudly supported by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, this event underscores Hong Kong's growing stature as a global hub for innovation, technology, and academic exchange.
Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO (first right), the Nobel laureates engage in an interactive Q&A session with participants. Photo source: HKUST
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings co-hosted "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future" recently, convening six Nobel laureates for thought-provoking discussions on how fundamental research drives progress in science, technology, health, and the global economy. Held at the Grand Hall of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on the Centennial Campus, the forum drew an audience of over 800 participants, fostering interdisciplinary exchange among some of the world’s most distinguished scientific minds.
Held at the Grand Hall of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on the Centennial Campus, the forum drew an audience of over 800 participants.. Photo source: HKU
The forum convened an extraordinary assembly of Nobel laureates: Professor Robert C. Merton, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences laureate (1997); Professor Louis J. Ignarro, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate (1998); Professor Tim Hunt, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate (2001); Professor Kurt Wüthrich, Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate (2002); Professor Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate (2010); and Professor Ferenc Krausz, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate (2023) and HKU Chair Professor of Laser Physics. Distinguished attendees included Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; Dr Peter Wong, Chairman of the HKU Council; Mr Eric Kwok-ki Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor James Tang, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee; and Mr Nikolaus Turner, Executive Director of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, delivers welcome remarks. Photo source: HKU
Professor Xiang Zhang remarked, “In today’s world, working together in science to achieve shared goals and promote global prosperity is increasingly challenging. We hope that, through the insights of six Nobel laureates, we can learn how to advance fundamental science, translate discoveries into practical applications, and benefit humanity, while navigating different challenges. HKU is committed to playing an important role in bridging international research collaborations. Ultimately, we believe that through mutual cooperation, science can transcend divisions, driving innovation and societal progress for the benefit of all.”
Mr Eric Kwok-ki Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration, delivers his speech at the forum. Photo source: HKU
Mr Eric Chan praised the forum’s role in advancing the Hong Kong’s innovation landscape, “Today’s dialogue is more than an academic event. It is a powerful convergence of the world’s finest scientific minds, right here in a city that is determined to play its part in global innovation. Hong Kong’s mission is clear and unwavering: to become a premier international innovation and technology centre. A hub where top scientists, scholars and entrepreneurs can thrive, collaborate and serve the world. To achieve this, the Government is fully committed. We are building a world-class ecosystem and nurturing the talent to power it.”
Mr Nikolaus Turner, Executive Director of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, delivers his remarks. Photo source: HKU
Mr Nikolaus Turner highlighted the collaboration’s global impact, “We are delighted to bring the Nobel Heroes to Hong Kong. In 2026, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our meetings in Lindau, Germany. Each year, we welcome outstanding young scientists from Hong Kong—bright minds shaping the future of research. 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.”
The first panel discussion, ‘Building the Future: From Molecules to Materials’, was moderated by Professor Xiang Zhang. Photo source: HKU
The forum featured two in-depth panel discussions moderated by HKU’s senior leadership. The first, ‘Building the Future: From Molecules to Materials’, was led by Professor Xiang Zhang and explored how fundamental discoveries in physics and chemistry unlocked new possibilities at the atomic and molecular levels. Panellists included Professors Krausz (Physics, 2023), Novoselov (Physics, 2010), and Wüthrich (Chemistry, 2002), who discussed topics ranging from visualising ultrafast atomic processes to engineering revolutionary materials with transformative applications.
The second discussion, ‘Decoding Complexity: Regulating Systems from the Cell to the Global Economy’, moderated by Professor Richard Wong, HKU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Photo source: HKU
The second discussion, ‘Decoding Complexity: Regulating Systems from the Cell to the Global Economy’, moderated by Professor Richard Wong, HKU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, examined universal principles governing complex systems across biology and finance. Professors Ignarro (Physiology/Medicine, 1998), Merton (Economic Sciences, 1997), and Hunt (Physiology/Medicine, 2001) highlighted striking parallels in how feedback mechanisms maintain stability—whether in cellular processes or financial markets.
Professor Xiang Zhang and six Nobel Laureates. Photo source: HKU
The Forum underscored HKU’s commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of society, while reinforcing the vital role of basic research in addressing global challenges. The Forum was also made possible through the support of Laureates City Holdings Limited, Red Carpet Investments Limited, and Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited, whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this prestigious event to fruition.
Distinguished guests and the Nobel Laureates. Photo source: HKU
