Yonsei, Inspiring the Nobel Dream Raised Global Prestige as a Research-Centered University 8 Nobel Laureates in the Fields of Economics, Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry Gather On September 11th and 12th, the Yonsei Nobel Forum was held at Yonsei University under the theme of “Yonsei-BK21 with Nobel Laureates.” This is the first time in Korea that a forum has been held where 8 Nobel Laureates in the fields of economics, medicine, physics, and chemistry were simultaneously invited. Yonsei University accomplished the feat of ranking 104th in the Science Citation Index (SCI) in 2005. This was an advance of 5 years considering the originally established goal was ranking in the top 200 within 2010. Moreover, the BK21 Project was successfully pursued and provided the stepping stones for achieving the “Global 5-5-10 (the goal of being ranked in the top 10 in 5 fields within 5 years),” which is one of the main aims of the “Yonsei Vision 2020.” Based on these accomplishments, Yonsei University is planning to emerge as one of the top 50 research-centered universities in the world. The Yonsei Nobel Forum served as the first step in Yonsei’s leap to attain the goal of “Yonsei Standing Proud.” However, the University hopes that this event will not simply settle as a Yonsei event but will also serve as a refreshing momentum for the Korean government and academia to recognize once again the importance of fundamental studies. Furthermore, the event is significant because it is Yonsei University’s initial expression of its strong will to produce many Nobel Laureates in the future. Yonsei Strives to Produce a Nobel Laureate by 2020 On September 11th, the first day of the forum, many spectators and reporters attended the Opening Ceremony held in the Centennial Hall, and showed ardent interest in the Yonsei Nobel Forum. More than 900 seats were filled and 100 people had to stand to listen to the lectures. Attendees unable to enter the lecture hall had to view the lecture through a monitor that was provided in the audiovisual room. The forum was indeed a great success. During the welcoming remarks, President Jung, Chang-Young said that “The Yonsei Nobel Forum” is an opportunity to bring to mind the significance of fundamental studies and to prepare Yonsei for its leap as a global research-centered university.” He also added that “based on the momentum from today’s forum, Yonsei will cultivate the fundamental sciences and produce a Nobel Laureate by the year 2020.” In addition, he expressed his hopes that there will be an “augmentation of interest in the fundamental sciences” and that there will also be an “arousing of interest in its utilization.” Subsequently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Science and Technology Kim Woo-sik commented during his congratulatory remarks that he “hope Yonsei University, which has produced 270,000 outstanding talented persons since its establishment in 1885, will continue to leap as a ‘Yonsei that is Standing Proud’ in the world.” Furthermore, he added that “the focus of national development in the 21st century is scientific technology. Scientific technological competitiveness equals national competitiveness, thus the roles that universities play is pivotal.” Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Lee Jong-Seo, who gave the second congratulatory remarks delivered his best wishes by saying that “BK21 is very successful as a program for nurturing key high-quality human resources. I hope that Yonsei University, which has been selected in many of the BK21 projects in both the 1st and 2nd stages, will soar into the world like an eagle.” Must Increase Understanding of and Solidarity on Research Ethics Following the Opening Ceremony Nobel Laureates Dr. Louis Ignarro (1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine) and Dr. Ferid Murad (1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine) gave presentations during the “Plenary Session 1: Future of Life Sciences.” First, Dr, Ignarro mentioned his childhood, his method of studying, and his research process. He said that “even if your research is at first discouraging in the process of studying, you can achieve results when you relentlessly exert efforts with endurance.” He also added that “it is important to be passionate and to have patience.” In addition, he emphasized the importance of having continuous interactions with fellow researchers, incessant motivation, and fund liaisons. Dr. Murad presented on the issue of genetic research and ethics, in relation to his research area. He accentuated the importance of establishing the rules and limits of research and said that “there lies both opportunity and danger in the hands of researchers. The world of science will have to promote further cohesion in the future to increase understanding and solidarity about the ethics of research.” Moreover, he added that “I hope that this forum will be a turning point for you in all areas of your life, research, achievements, and motivation.” Asia Must Lead Fundamental Science Development in the 21st Century Dr. Aaron Ciechanover (2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), Dr. Murray Gell-Mann (1969 Nobel Prize in Physics), and Dr. Masatoshi Koshiba (2002 Nobel Prize in Physics) gave presentations during “Plenary Session 2: Promotion and Advancement of Science Education: The Role of Government, Industry and University.” Dr. Ciechanover warned that “Korea needs to escape from the dream that it has to produce a Nobel Laureate as soon as possible.” He pointed out that “a scientist has to research to satisfy his own curiosity, not for a prize. . . . I have received a Nobel Prize, but I am certainly not a hero. . . . A scientist is not a hero, nor a god. In this context, science should be developed in its fundamental studies aspect. Science should not be hero-worshipped.” Furthermore he mentioned the Hwang Woo-suk incident and said that “(the theses fabrications) were probably conducted under the orders of Dr. Hwang, however we also have to think about how much pressure the Korean society gave to Dr. Hwang.” He stressed that “research accomplishments should not be measured quantitatively. . . . If those kinds of pressures are given, then it is inevitable that wrongful acts will arise. It is positive to render researchers under a certain amount of tension but this should not exceed a particular limit.” Dr. Masatoshi underscored the role of Asian youths in the development of fundamental sciences. He said that “in the past 20th century, there were many developments in the fundamental sciences, but these were mostly accomplishments from Europe and the U.S. . . . In the 21st Century, the Asian countries will have to take over that role.” He suggested that “Holding a conference each year where 400 ~ 500 students from Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Japan can gather and have discussions with Nobel Laureates could also be a solution.” Furthermore he added that “Another plan that could be considered is having Asian countries form a consortium together so that students that have studied in Asia can contribute to the development of the world’s fundamental sciences.” Big Government Will Slow Down Economy At the 'Plenary Session 3: The Challenging Problem for Korea & World Economy and its Prospects', Dr. Robert Mundell(1999 Nobel Prize in Economics) and Dr. Edward C. Prescott(2004 Nobel Prize in Economics) each gave a presentation. Dr. Prescott expressed negative views on the recently launched government project, ‘Vision 2030' and stated that, 'If Korea intends to lay out a tax policy like the ones that European nations previously used, Korea's economy will slow down by 30%." He also mentioned, "Korea has shown a great advance in the economic field through economic reforms such as reforming the financial policy during the foreign exchange crisis“ and added, "Issues such as tax increases and the increase in financial burden due to social aging are potential dangers that Korea's economy may come upon." Dr. Mundell, on the subject of uniting the currency of Asia said, " Such matters like the scale of economy or the level of economic activation between countries show that it is too early for an 'Asian Fund'," and advised for us to phase-in the approach. He stated, “For Korea's economy to survive without being overwhelmed by surrounding nations such as China or Japan, it must take a multi-national or global approach, rather than a regional approach.” The Role of Fundamental Science for the Future Society On the second day, Sept. 12th, lectures took place based on separate departments in different colleges. At the College of Science, Professors Murray Gell-Mann, Masatoshi Koshiba, and Aaron Ciechanover made speeches on 'The Role of Fundamental Science for the Future Society'. The second day, hundreds of enthused students came to see the lectures, in the same manner as the first day. Lim Sang-Eun, a first year student of Eun-Gwang High School who came to see the lecture said, "I felt that Yonsei University is really growing to be a worldwide university. I couldn't understand the whole speech since it was all spoken in English, but I was encouraged to think more about my life and I would like to achieve my dreams at Yonsei University." Strive with Interest and Passion The College of Medicine hosted a lecture with the theme, 'Frontiers in Medical Science' and invited Professors Ferid Murad and Louis Ignarro, the winners of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine, to give a lecture at the Eun-Myoung Auditorium. At the lecture that day, students, researchers, and members of the teaching staff from Yonsei University Medical Center crowded the auditorium. Many were seated on the floor and aisles at the auditorium, which seats over 500. Dr. Murad and Dr. Ignarro explained the electric force that nitrogen monoxide has on the human body and the main function of it. He was showered with questions by many students and professors. Dr. Ignarro answered the question on what his favorite subject and hobby was in his school years, stating "I've always loved fiddling with chemical substances in the lab and making new things. Many students here should also have interest in their field of study and strive with passion. Then you will be able to expect great results." University's Research Competitiveness, Key for Catching Up with the U.S. The College of Business held lectures at the Gak Dang Hun Auditorium with the theme, 'Frontiers in Economics' Dr. Prescott presented a speech on 'What Korea must Korea do to catch up with U.S.A.' He noted that, "The key for Korea to catch up with the U.S. is for them to greatly increase productivity and the research competitiveness of universities will be the core factor in deciding that." He also said Korea must lower tariffs and progress to a free trade level. In addition he said that companies need to compete with international firms to stimulate the national economy. Following the lecture was Dr. Mundell's speech on Korea's financial problems. He stated that the present economic composition will expand and eventually surpass Europe and North America, so South and East Asian countries must secure their own economic turf. "Korea's financial status is at a healthy level so it is important for Korea to predict possible problems that may arise and prepare for these kinds of situations", he says. He added, "The problem is self-contentment. It is crucial to have a humble attitude and always prepare for the future." The last lecture was presented by Dr. Robert Aumann (2005 Nobel Prize in Economics). He presented his new theory which applies the game theory to create a model that helps comprehend the relationship between conflict and cooperation. He also talked about how economy could relate to peace. Dr. Aumann has been noted for his research on how people would react to the 'infinitely repeated game', played over a long period of time.