The progress of scientific research and its ever-expanding fields will awaken our hope. - Alfred Nobel

The afternoon of November 16th at the Linshui Conference Hall, with the crisp autumn air, by the Qi Zhen Lake, was a perfect time for a Nobel Prize interpretation.

The main speakers for the 2024 Nobel Prize interpretation were:

Prof. Wan Xin, from the College of Physics;

Dr. Ji Pengfei, “Hundred Talents Program” researcher from the Department of Chemistry;

Prof. Li Fei, Qiu Shi Distinguished Professor from the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology.

Also attending the event was Dr. Lu Xin, Vice Dean of CKC.

Students from various disciplines of CKC, gathered together to explore the mysteries of the Nobel Prize and share in an academic feast!

Part 1: Dean’s Address

After the host's opening remarks, Dean Lu Xin delivered the opening speech. He recalled the founding of the Mixed Class in 1984 and encouraged students to inherit the spirit of the Mixed Class, to clear away confusion through intellectual exchange, and to strive for progress through innovative breakthroughs.

Dean Lu also emphasized that innovation is the driving force behind human progress, and that youth are the main force of innovation. He encouraged students to contribute to the scientific and technological advancement and social development of our nation, to cultivate a strong research spirit, and to aspire to serve the country through scientific research.         

Subsequently, Vice Dean Lu, along with Prof. Li and Prof. Wan, jointly unveiled the 2024 Mix Festival and took a commemorative photo together. The academic report session on the interpretation of the Nobel Prizes officially began.

Part 2: Interpretation of Nobel Prize

(1) Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

The first speaker was Prof. Li. He set out by giving an overview of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, tracing from the discovery of the RNA interference mechanism in 2006 and leading into this year’s focus on the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs. Prof. Li then gave a detailed introduction to the role, discovery, and significance of miRNAs.

Learning the history of the discovery of microRNA, the students cast a deep insight into the profound lesson that the true scientific discoveries can withstand the test of time and peer scrutiny.

Prof. Li then emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary integration and innovative thinking in scientific research. He expressed his sincere expectations for the students, encouraging them to cultivate strong mental resilience, stick to their own judgments, dare to face doubts, make informed decisions, and explore the boundaries of knowledge.

(2) Nobel Prize in Physics

Then was Prof. Wan, he first took us through the development of artificial intelligence, from AI defeating world champions to the eight-queens problem in chess, as well as the connection between spin glasses and Hopfield neural networks. Through these examples, he vividly explained to the students the commonalities between physics problems and machine learning algorithms.

Prof. Wan highlighted that the connection between AI networks and physical chaos can help us navigate through chaos. He also emphasized that the era of big data offers a fantastic platform for AI to showcase its capabilities. However, he noted that we shouldn’t get lost in data; instead, we should allow our imagination to lead us out of chaos. As Wan put it, Imagination guides us out of chaos, and deep learning, fueled by profound imagination, can usher in a new spring or autumn for AI.

(3) Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The final speaker was Prof. Ji. He primarily introduced the principles and future applications of protein design, as well as computer-aided protein design and protein structure prediction.

Prof. Ji introduced the breakthroughs in the chemical principles of protein folding and AlphaFold's significant contributions to the analysis of protein structures. He also shared the fundamental concepts of protein design and its vast potential applications in drug development, materials design, and other areas.

Part 3: Q&A Session

Following the brilliant interpretation, the three distinguished speakers addressed students’ doubts together at the rostrum.

Taking full use of this opportunity, the students enthusiastically pose questions to the teachers, ranging from in-depth discussions of Nobel Prize-winning achievements to the viability of some creative and unusual ideas. With warmth and patience, the three speakers addressed each question put forward by students, analyzing it from their respective professional fields. Their answers indicate the profound knowledge of the scholars of Zhejiang University, as well as the allure of interdisciplinary studies at the institution. From feeling confused to being suddenly enlightened, we witnessed the academic symposium coming to an end.

Part 4: Acknowledgements

Vice Dean Lu presented the three keynote speakers with letters of appreciation and gifted them with college souvenirs.

In that afternoon, under the guidance of esteemed experts, we delved into the cutting edge of technology, embracing the spirit of seeking truth as we ascended the heights of academic achievement. We studied the achievements of Nobel Prize-winning research, enhanced our scientific literacy, carried forward the Mixed Spirit, and solidified our resolve to strengthen our nation through science and technology.