Lessons from the Luminaries
The Nobel Prize is the most prestigious award in the work, that honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in various fields of science, literature, and peace. On 3rd and 4th October the Nobel Prize in the field of Physics and Chemistry for this year were announced. I want to congratulate the winners for their remarkable contributions to humanity. I am also sharing some of the lessons that we all can learn from these visionaries.
Let’s see what’s new in the field of Physics and Chemistry.
Physics: Experiments with light capture the shortest of moments
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter1. An attosecond is a billionth of a billionth of a second, so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the birth of the universe. The laureates have demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy inside atoms and molecules. These processes are fundamental for understanding and controlling many phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, photosynthesis, and superconductivity. The laureates’ experiments have opened the door to the world of electrons and enabled new discoveries in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
Chemistry: Discovery and synthesis of quantum dots
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Alexei I. Ekimov, and Louis E. Brus for their discovery and synthesis of quantum dots2. Quantum dots are tiny particles of semiconductors that are so small that their electrical and optical properties are influenced by quantum physics. They can emit light of different colors depending on their size and shape, making them useful for various applications such as displays, solar cells, sensors, and biomedical imaging. The laureates have pioneered research on quantum dots since the 1980s, developing methods to produce them with high quality and precision. Their work has led to the emergence of nanotechnology as a new field of science and engineering.
What we can learn from the Nobel Prize winners
The Nobel Prize winners are not only brilliant scientists but also inspiring role models for us all. They have shown us that curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and collaboration are essential for advancing scientific knowledge and solving global challenges. They have also demonstrated that science is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together for a common goal. We can learn from their examples and aspire to follow in their footsteps in our own endeavors.
Some of the valuable lessons we can learn from the Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry are:
- Be open to new possibilities and explore the unknown.
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny’
- Seek connections between different fields and disciplines.
- Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and improvement.
The most difficult experiments are often the most rewarding ones.”
- Share your knowledge and passion with others and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Science is not only a profession but also a mission. We have a responsibility to communicate our results and enthusiasm to the public.
By applying these lessons to our own lives, we can become more curious, creative, resilient, and collaborative. We can also contribute to the advancement of science and society in our own ways. We can definitely grow in any field of life with these simple learnings.
Do you know —
How many women have won Nobel Prize in the Chemistry field?
Who is the only Laureate winning the Nobel Prize in 2 science fields?
