HKU Co-hosts "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future" Convene World-Leading Minds to Forge Next Era of Discovery

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

This year’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) produced a record 24 top scorers. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced their admission results on August 5, with each university admitting 12 of the top-scoring students, most of whom chose to study medicine.

CUHK, Photo source: the official website of CUHK

CUHK stated that it admitted four “super top scorers” (who achieved 5** in seven subjects) and eight “top scorers” (who achieved 5** in six subjects). All 12 of these students were admitted to CUHK's Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Lau Sin-nga, Director of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at CUHK, pointed out that the school will continue to dedicate itself to providing high-quality teaching, comprehensive student support, and promoting innovative research to help students realize their potential and equip them to become future leaders with leadership skills and a sense of responsibility.

HKU, Photo source: the official website of HKU

HKU announced that it has admitted 12 top-scoring students. Among them, five “super top scorers” and four “top scorers” were admitted to the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. The remaining top scorers were admitted to programs such as the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws) and Bachelor of Laws, as well as the Bachelor of Business Administration (Law) and Bachelor of Laws. Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange at HKU, stated that the school will continue to employ a comprehensive assessment approach, adhering to the principle of “selecting the best,” to discover and admit outstanding students with exceptional potential.