The College of Science (CSCI) again hosted a conversation with Professor Serge Haroche, the 2012 Nobel Laureate in Physics, on 22 November. Titled “Exploring Frontiers: A Conversation with Nobel Laureate in Physics”, the sharing has attracted almost 100 participants.
Professor Xin Wang, Dean of CityUHK’s College of Science, first expressed a warm welcome to Professor Haroche in his opening speech and encouraged the audience to engage, ask questions, and share their thoughts. Professor Wang pointed out that Professor Haroche’s “work exemplifies the spirit of scientific inquiry and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, which are core values we cherish here at the College of Science”. “I hope this session will ignite your passion for discovery and encourage you to explore new horizons,” he said.
Professor Denver Li, CSCI’s Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Education), and Professor Xiao Li, Associate Professor from the Department of Physics, took the lead in the conversion with Professor Haroche in the sharing session.
Talking about his research motivation, Professor Haroche mentioned that “have fun” and find a topic that “excites you” is important. His love for mathematics has led him to the exciting world of quantum physics. He described that “things happen by chance” and “it is difficult to plan” for research. “Be patient and resilient” was his advice to researchers.
Professor Haroche elaborated that compared to his old days, nowadays young scientists have many new research fields to explore. With new tools like artificial intelligence, Professor Haroche encouraged young researchers to work on what is best for society.
More about Professor Serge Haroche:
Professor Haroche is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study at CityUHK and Professor Emeritus at the Collège de France. He is also a Member of the French Academy of Sciences and a Foreign Member of the US National Academy of Sciences. His main research activities lie in quantum optics and quantum information science, making significant contributions to cavity quantum electrodynamics. He has received many prizes and awards, culminating in the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics (with Professor David Wineland) “for ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems”.