Exploring Frontiers: Nobel Minds and Pioneers in Scientific Thought

Overview

The year 2026 marks an extraordinary occasion – the 35^th Anniversary of HKUST and the 20^th Anniversary of HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study. To honour this special occasion, the IAS Nobel Symposium brings together some of the world’s most influential thinkers to deliver thought-provoking lectures and offer unique perspectives on science, research and global impact.

Speakers (in alphabetical order by last name)

Prof. Paul C. W. CHU

President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus of HKUST
Founding Director, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
Professor of Physics, T. L. L. Temple Chair of Science, University of Houston

Prof. Steven CHU

1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics

William R. Kenan Jr. Professor, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University

Prof. Takaaki KAJITA

2015 Nobel Laureate in Physics

Distinguished University Professor, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of Tokyo

Prof. Brian P. SCHMIDT

2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics

Astronomer, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University

Provisional Schedule (Updates may occur as arrangements are finalized)

3:30 – 3:35 pm

Welcome Remarks
Prof. Nancy Y. IP, President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science

3:35 – 4:05 pm

Talk #1: Topic to be confirmed
Prof. Paul C. W. CHU (Houston University)

4:05 – 4:35 pm

Talk #2: Topic to be confirmed 
Prof. Steven Chu (Stanford University)

4:35 – 4:50 pm

Break 

4:50 – 5:20 pm

Talk #3: Neutrino Oscillation 
Prof. Takaaki Kajita (The University of Tokyo)

5:20 – 5:50 pm

Talk #4: The Universe from Beginning to End
Prof. Brian P. Schmidt (Australian National University)

5:50 – 6:20 pm

Fireside Chat
Moderator: Prof. Kam-Biu LUK, IAS Paul C W Chu Professor, HKUST

6:20 – 6:25 pm

Closing Remarks

Registration

Registration is required to attend this symposium. Details will be available in due course.