Three Nobel Laureates to Discuss the Future of Science in the AI Era in Seoul

Sixteen Leading Scholars from Korea and Abroad to Attend
Debating the Role and Competencies of Scientists with Youth and University Students

As artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming both the methodology and the pace of scientific discovery, what abilities will scientists need in this new era? Three Nobel laureates, along with distinguished scholars from Korea and abroad, will convene in Seoul to discuss how AI will shape the future of science and define the role of human scientists.

The Korea Academy of Science and Technology announced on the 18th that, in partnership with the Nobel Prize Outreach (NPO) under the Nobel Foundation in Sweden, it will host the 'Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026' at COEX Auditorium in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 20th.

On the 20th, three Nobel laureates giving a lecture at the COEX Auditorium in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Courtesy of the National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea

This year's event will be held under the theme 'The Future of Science Shaped by AI.' Sixteen experts from fields such as science and technology, the arts, and philosophy—including three Nobel laureates: David MacMillan, Professor at Princeton University and recipient of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry; Brian Schmidt, Professor at Australian National University and winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics; and Craig Mello, Professor at the University of Massachusetts and 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate—will participate. Lectures and discussions will take place before an audience of about 1,200 people.

Notably, six Korean high school and university students will join the stage as discussants to engage directly with the Nobel laureates. Topics will include 'What Makes a Great Scientist in the Age of AI?' and 'What Is the Most Important Scientific Competency in the Age of AI?' to collectively explore the roles of scientists in the future.

The Nobel Prize Dialogue is a special international edition of the 'Nobel Week Dialogue,' which takes place in Sweden each December in conjunction with the Nobel Prize award ceremonies. It provides an opportunity for Nobel laureates, scientists, and policy experts to engage with the public on pressing global issues. This will be the third time the event is held in Korea, following previous editions in 2017 and 2023.

Jin Ho Jung, President of the Korea Academy of Science and Technology, stated, "AI is rapidly changing the paradigm of scientific research, and it is a critical time to reflect on its future together," adding, "Through this event, we hope to envision the future of science in the AI era together with the Korean public."

In conjunction with the event, the Academy has also arranged for Nobel laureates to give lectures at Korean universities and high schools. Professor Mello gave a lecture at Pukyong National University on the 18th, and Professors MacMillan and Schmidt will meet students at Seoul Science High School and Ewha Womans University, respectively, on the 21st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.