‘Curiosity leads to discovery, helps in solving problems’

““Science is really a series of failures because you have some ideas, you try them out, and some don’t work. You overcome these challenges, and then you make things work, said Nobel Laureate Moungi G. Bawendi, Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) here on Thursday.

Inaugurating the International Conference on Quantum Horizons 2025: Materials, Intelligent Technologies and Sustainable Futures, he said the story of quantum materials was ultimately a story of curiosity.

Mr. Bawendi had won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023, along with two others, for their work on quantum dots — tiny semiconductor nanoparticles whose unique properties depend on their size — that are used in QLED TVs and LED lighting.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bawendi advised young people to stay curious. “Curiosity is what leads to discovery and to solving problems,” he adds.

The event brought together global scientists, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss emerging developments in quantum science and advanced technologies.

Ajayan Vinu, Director, Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, University of Newcastle, Australia, and Ashok George Verghese, Pro-Chancellor, HITS, also spoke.

Indrajit Shown, department of chemistry, HITS; Vikas Misra, vice-chancellor, HITS; Rajeev Ahuja, director IIT Ropar; Aby Sam, executive director, Hindustan Group of Institutions (HGI), and Enid Jacob Verghese, deputy director, HGI, were also present at the event.