Nobel laureate Andre Geim shared his unpredictable academic journey to become a renowned “atomic architect” during an inaugural lecture at the University of Hong Kong on Tuesday.
His story, characterized by curiosity, missteps, and serendipity, was presented in a lecture titled "Random Walk to Graphene". As chair professor in the Department of Physics, Geim explored how simple curiosity and openness to the unexpected led to one of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries in recent decades.
Introducing the esteemed physicist, Xiang Zhang, president and vice-chancellor of HKU, emphasized that Geim’s experience underscores the importance of basic research. "Without it, there would be no knowledge translation, let alone the entrepreneurship and disruptive technologies that are so crucial today. We hope that professor Geim's presence will inspire future generations to rethink and redefine our future," he said.
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In his presentation, Geim offered an insightful look into the realm of advanced scientific discovery, detailing how graphene—a two-dimensional nanomaterial—turned from an ostensibly impossible concept to a Nobel Prize-winning breakthrough.
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Initially deemed too unstable to exist independently, graphene was isolated in 2004 by Geim and his team using simple sticky tape to create the first stable, single-atom-thin sheets of carbon. This groundbreaking work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.
Geim's research did not stop with graphene. His team explored other two-dimensional crystals, demonstrating that they could be stacked like building blocks, opening a new field in materials science.
Currently, Geim is focused on creating new "designer" materials with unique properties. At HKU, he aims to continue his work as an "atomic architect", believing that humanity is on the brink of a technological revolution similar to the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.
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Geim’s lecture gathered around 800 attendees, including academics, policymakers, practitioners, and students. According to HKU, Geim’s appointment underscores the university's commitment to linking fundamental, curiosity-driven science with practical applications. By attracting world-leading minds to its campus, HKU continues to pursue its vision of becoming a global leader in transforming humanity's future.
Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com
