Four Nobel Laureates shared research insights and views on AI with HKUST students and faculty, inspiring curiosity and innovation.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted the “Nobel Heroes@HKUST” forum on Jan. 13th, bringing together four Nobel Laureates to share their scientific journeys and insights with over 400 students, faculty members, and members of the public. The event was organised as part of HKUST’s 35th anniversary celebrations and highlighted the University’s commitment to connecting world-renowned scholars with the local community.
Bridging Curiosity and Discovery
The Nobel Laureates—honoured in Physiology or Medicine, Economic Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics—spoke about the challenges and rewards of pursuing research. They encouraged young scientists to follow their curiosity, embrace persistence, and explore fields that ignite their passion.
Prof. Louis J. Ignarro (1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine) emphasised curiosity as the key to scientific discovery. Recalling how a postdoctoral researcher’s cigarette smoke led to his discovery of nitric oxide’s role in widening arteries, he encouraged students to pursue their interests boldly and persistently. “Let curiosity guide your research,” he said.
Prof. Tim Hunt (2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine) shared the story of his team’s discovery of cell cycle regulators. Although initially doubted by the scientific community, their persistence confirmed the breakthrough. He stressed that researchers should focus on fundamental questions with lasting impact rather than immediate practical applications.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
On the role of technology, Prof. Konstantin Novoselov (2010 Nobel Prize in Physics) noted that artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up research and improve efficiency. However, he cautioned that AI cannot replace the creativity, curiosity, and judgment of human scientists. Similarly, Prof. Robert C. Merton (1997 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences) compared AI to an investment tool: it offers great potential but must be used wisely. Both emphasised that successful collaboration between scientists and AI is about balance, not replacement.
The forum, moderated by Prof. Poman Lo, HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of Management, included lively Q&A sessions. Students asked questions ranging from choosing research fields to leveraging AI in their future careers. Following the event, a HKUST student shared, “I no longer worry about whether AI will replace me. I learned that every researcher has unique value, and the key is to work with AI, not fear it.”
Fostering the Next Generation of Scientists
The Nobel Heroes@HKUST forum is part of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings’ ongoing effort to build bridges between Nobel Laureates and young scientists worldwide. According to Executive Director Nikolaus Turner, the initiative aims to foster long-term partnerships and sustain intergenerational dialogue between established scientists and emerging talent.
Earlier, on Jan. 12th, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) co-hosted the “Nobel Heroes Forum: Leading Science and the Future.” Multiple laureates discussed how AI can support research while emphasising the enduring importance of human creativity and exploration.
The combined events highlight Hong Kong’s growing role as a hub for scientific innovation and knowledge exchange. They also demonstrate the value of curiosity, persistence, and thoughtful collaboration in shaping the next generation of researchers.
Additional reporting by CNS, hkust.edu.hk.
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