"AI May Overturn Scientific Paradigms"... Three Nobel Laureates Discuss the Future of Discovery

MacMillan: "Creativity and Judgment of Scientists Still Crucial in the Age of AI"

Schmidt: "Hopeful for AI to Solve the Quantum Gravity Challenge"

Mello: "AI Expands Human Capabilities" ... Learn How to Use AI, But Build a Strong Foundation in Fundamental Knowledge

"The virtues required of human scientists will not change simply because AI advances," he said.

David MacMillan, Professor at Princeton University and recipient of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, emphasized that even if artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the way scientific discoveries are made, the role of human scientists remains critical. He explained that while AI will enable research that was previously impossible and accelerate new discoveries, it is ultimately the creativity and judgment of scientists that turn these possibilities into reality.

At the "Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026" held at COEX in Seoul on the 20th, Nobel laureates are discussing the future of science transformed by artificial intelligence (AI). From the left, Craig Mello, professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School; David MacMillan, professor at Princeton University; and Brian Schmidt, professor at the Australian National University. Courtesy of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology

On September 20 at COEX in Seoul, three Nobel laureates exchanged views on the future of science in the age of AI at the "Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026." The event, co-hosted by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology and Nobel Prize Outreach under the Nobel Foundation of Sweden, featured Professor MacMillan, Professor Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University, winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics, and Professor Craig Mello of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, who received the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

The three laureates highlighted not only AI's ability to speed up scientific discoveries, but also its potential to overturn long-standing paradigms in science. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of the creativity, judgment, and fundamental knowledge brought by human scientists utilizing AI.

"If AI Solves Quantum Gravity, That Would Be Exciting"

Professor Schmidt explained that AI is already accelerating research in astronomy. AI is used to analyze massive observational datasets, write code, and optimize telescope observations. It is also applied to identify potentially Earth-approaching asteroids from images of the night sky collected by observatories around the globe. Professor Schmidt likened AI to a "smart assistant" that increases the speed at which scientists conduct their work.

On the 20th, Brian Schmidt, professor at the Australian National University, is answering reporters' questions at the "Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026" held at COEX in Seoul. Provided by the Korea Academy of Science and Technology

However, AI does not eliminate all research limitations. He noted, "AI helps us make better use of the data we have, but it cannot solve the limitations of large space telescopes and data itself."

Asked whether AI could even lead to discoveries that upend the current paradigms of science, he acknowledged the possibility. Professor Schmidt said, "There is nothing in science that we believe to be absolutely true," citing how Newton's theory of gravity was revised with the advent of Einstein. He added that if AI contributes to solving the problem of quantum gravity—uniting gravity and quantum mechanics—it would be a welcome achievement. "Such discoveries will continue to occur with or without AI, but AI will accelerate them," he said.

Professor MacMillan also believed that AI could help generate breakthroughs that fundamentally change existing research approaches. He introduced the example of the use of radicals in molecular synthesis—a technique once considered impossible—which has now become an established research method. Radicals are highly reactive chemical species with unpaired electrons.

At the 'Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026' held at COEX in Seoul on the 20th, David MacMillan, a professor at Princeton University, USA, is answering questions from reporters.

Professor MacMillan emphasized that such changes originated from new insights by scientists, and that AI, in a similar way, could contribute to paradigm-shifting discoveries in science.

"We Should Teach Proper Use of AI, Not Block It"

Professor Mello stressed that AI is a technology that augments human capabilities. While acknowledging both the expectations and concerns regarding AI development, he took an optimistic stance: "I believe AI will empower people and enable us to accomplish more." He also spoke about the capabilities and energy of young talent he encountered in Korea, adding that AI could accelerate their own groundbreaking discoveries.

On the topic of education in the AI era, the laureates differed in their points of emphasis. Professor Mello expressed a negative view on banning students from using AI for writing or relying on technology to detect AI usage. "I don't believe that interacting with AI stifles creativity," he said, suggesting instead that it could help foster it.

On the 20th, at COEX in Seoul, Craig Mello, professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, answered questions from reporters during the 'Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026'. Provided by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology

By contrast, Professor Schmidt stressed the need for a strong foundation in fundamental skills—such as writing and mathematics—in order to make proper use of AI. He distinguished between dependence on AI and the ability to use it effectively, adding that students need to deeply study the core disciplines of astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Professor MacMillan concluded, "Scientists who understand the value of this new tool called AI will demonstrate creativity by applying it in ways previously unimagined, and that will drive scientific progress."

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