Connections Mar 2024 TC

Professor Richard Schoen 2017 年沃爾夫數學獎得主、 2023 年恒隆數學獎 學術委員會主席 莫毅明教授 Professor Ngaiming Mok 自 2004 年起擔任恒隆數學獎 學術委員會成員 2017 Wolf Prize Laureate in Mathematics and 2023 Chair of the HLMA Scientific Committee Member of the HLMA Scientific Committee since 2004 “Whether you were a prize winner or not, we appreciate the creative effort that went into the choice of projects and the approaches to their solution. The hard work required to complete them was noteworthy. What a unique way to contribute to the education system of Hong Kong!” “HLMA is a process that helps talented high-school students in mathematics to build up their confidence to study further in mathematics and related subjects, and eventually to lead a research career.” 「參與恒隆數學獎能幫助具數學天賦的中學生建立信心， 進一步深入學習數學及相關學科，並最終投身研究事業。」 A central theme of the panel discussion revolved around the importance of fundamental research in a world driven by quick results and practical applications. Fundamental research explores the fundamental laws that govern the natural world, provides the groundwork for future scientific exploration and serves as the basis for applied research. Prof. Ip passionately championed the value of fundamental research, emphasizing that it may lead to uncharted territories where serendipitous discoveries can occur. Referring to CRISPR-Cas technology, Prof. Ip and Dr. Chan highlighted how the study of microbial defense mechanisms, once considered niche and peripheral, now holds the potential to revolutionize fields like gene editing and disease treatment. Prof. Zhang underscored the pivotal role universities play in providing a nurturing environment for students to engage in seemingly "useless research" and actively "create knowledge." He emphasized that such endeavors are essential in cultivating a future workforce of scientists who will drive innovation and push the boundaries of human understanding. The panelists unanimously agreed on the significance of both fundamental and applied research in fostering a knowledge-based society. While fundamental research often leads to unexpected breakthroughs, applied research paves the way for practical solutions to real-world challenges. They believe that these two types of research are equally important and mutually reinforcing. Prof. Ip also emphasized the importance of academic-industry collaboration. She believes that collaborative projects provide students with insights into the relevance of their research and enhance their employability prospects. Dr. Chan supported this viewpoint, emphasizing the need to bridge the academic-industry gap and the crucial role of funding in bringing brilliant ideas to fruition. The panel discussion served as a reminder of the importance of nurturing curiosity and fostering collaboration between university and corporation. By recognizing the value of fundamental research, encouraging academic-industry collaboration, and providing students with practical experiences, we can lay the groundwork for transformative discoveries and meaningful progress in our knowledge-based society. 「學術委員會祝賀每位參賽同學，無論你們獲獎與否，你們設 定的課題和研究方法都別具創意，而你們完成這些研究所經 歷的艱苦努力都值得表揚。恒隆數學獎以獨特的方式為香港 教育發展作出了貢獻！」 「 What is Good Research? 」 討論會影片 Panel discussion video 5 專 題 故 事 F E A T U R E S T O R Y