Nobel Prize in Physics Serge Haroche: Let young people be creative

Talking to Thanh Nien reporter on October 9, Professor Serge Haroche, winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, sent a message to Vietnamese youth: go abroad to study, experience advanced science, then return to contribute to the homeland.

The 2012 Nobel Prize winner in Physics also shared practical advice for Vietnam to develop sustainable science in the new era.

"Go out into the world to learn, then come back to contribute"

Professor Serge Haroche believes that the path to scientific development in Vietnam must start with people, especially the young generation. He emphasized: "Young Vietnamese people should go abroad to study, research, and then return to serve the country. Science is not just learned in one place, but learned all over the world."

Professor Serge Haroche, winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, attended the international conference "100 years of quantum physics" at ICISE Center (Quy Nhon Nam Ward, Gia Lai )

PHOTO: ICISE

According to him, studying abroad not only helps broaden one's horizons, but also helps bring knowledge and modern research methods back to build one's homeland. "That is the most wonderful and important thing," said Professor Haroche.

This Nobel Prize-winning physicist believes that the key factor for Vietnamese science to take off is a free research environment.

"We need to let scientists, especially young people, think freely and explore freely. Science always contains surprises. You can be researching a problem, but discover something completely new and more interesting. If you are too tightly oriented, you will never touch those discoveries," said Professor Serge Haroche.

He hopes that local authorities in Vietnam will create conditions for science to develop naturally, without constraints. Moreover, research does not bring immediate results, it requires perseverance and persistence for many years to reap the sweet fruit.

Professor Serge Haroche and scientists attending the international conference “100 years of quantum physics” met with leaders of Gia Lai province

PHOTO: ICISE

In addition, Professor Haroche recommended that Vietnam increase investment in budget and research equipment, especially two-way cooperation programs, both inviting international experts to Vietnam and supporting young people to study abroad and return to work.

Basic research is the breeding ground for all applications.

Sharing about his Nobel Prize-winning work in physics, Professor Haroche said he was honored for developing a method to measure and manipulate individual quantum systems, a breakthrough that allows observing atoms without destroying them, opening the foundation for future quantum computers.

From his experience, he asserted: "Understanding of the microscopic world, atoms, molecules, photons, has created inventions that change human life such as transistors, lasers, GPS, mobile phones or MRI machines. And it all started from basic research, driven by curiosity, not by practical goals."

Professor Serge Haroche presented a report on the topic "Lasers in quantum physics" at the conference "100 years of quantum physics" taking place in Gia Lai from October 7-9.

PHOTO: ICISE

According to Professor Haroche, basic science and applied technology must go hand in hand and nurture each other. A free and trustworthy academic environment is essential for creative ideas to germinate.

Professor Serge Haroche highly appreciated the Vietnamese Government's efforts in developing quantum technology, a field in which he is a leading expert. He believes that Vietnam can achieve success if it focuses on three factors: basic education, investment in basic research and sustainable international cooperation.

"Vietnam has abundant human resources, young people who are eager to learn and curious about the world. Let's invest in them, especially at primary and secondary levels, to foster an interest in science from an early age," he said.

Professor Haroche also stressed the need for strong and stable funding from both the public and private sectors. He said a significant portion of the budget should go to basic research, because "no one knows in advance which knowledge will lead to useful applications".

Passion - a prerequisite for scientists

The Nobel Prize-winning professor in physics sent sincere advice to Vietnamese youth: "You cannot do science without passion. Science is not just a profession, it must be love, a desire to explore the world."

He advised young people, after finding their passion, to choose the right field to stick with and pursue to the end. Only then can their research efforts crystallize into real value.

"We must protect science and rational thinking as universal values. Wherever they are, scientists share the same spirit: to explore, create and serve humanity," he said.

Many Vietnamese students have the opportunity to interact with the world's leading scientists when they come to Gia Lai to attend international conferences.

PHOTO: ICISE

At the end of the talk, Nobel Prize-winning physics professor Serge Haroche expressed his belief in the young generation of Vietnam, who will carry their thirst for knowledge out into the world and return to light up the future of science in their country.

Gia Lai takes science as the core of development

On October 9, Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan received Professor Serge Haroche, winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, and a delegation of international scientists who came to the province to attend the international conference "100 years of quantum physics" at the ICISE Center (Quy Nhon Nam Ward, Gia Lai).

Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan received Professor Serge Haroche

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

At the reception, Mr. Pham Anh Tuan expressed his joy and honor to welcome a delegation of world-leading professors in the field of quantum physics to visit and work in Gia Lai.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan gave an overview of the new face of Gia Lai after the merger, with great advantages in forests, seas and natural resources. He emphasized that Gia Lai identified science - technology, innovation and digital transformation as the core for sustainable growth in the future.

Along with strong investment in scientific research and application, the province is implementing a policy to attract international experts and Vietnamese intellectuals abroad to work and live with flexible and open mechanisms.

"Gia Lai hopes to listen to valuable comments from scientists to move in the right direction in developing basic science," said Mr. Tuan.

Gia Lai provincial leaders presented souvenirs to Professor Serge Haroche

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Professor Serge Haroche and scientists expressed their impression of the province's scientific development orientation, especially the operating model of the ICISE Center, considered one of the largest and most prestigious scientific research centers in Vietnam today.

The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee said that Gia Lai hopes to establish long-term academic links with international professors, especially with Professor Serge Haroche, who contributed to opening up a breakthrough research direction in quantum mechanics.

"We hope that scientists can accept students and young researchers from Gia Lai as students; and at the same time introduce their students to Vietnam and Gia Lai to do research. Through that, we will form a sustainable cooperative relationship, together promoting the development of basic science," Mr. Tuan shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gs-nobel-vat-ly-serge-haroche-hay-de-nguoi-tre-tu-do-sang-tao-18525100915195851.htm