Jingming Shi

I was honored to attend the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum 2023 in Kyoto, invited by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

On the afternoon of the first day, I had the privilege of participating in the Young Leader Program.

This program brought exceptional young individuals together from over the world. We enthusiastically introduced ourselves, sharing info about our countries, professions, and also research interests. During these initial exchanges, I also had conversations with a few young leaders who shared similar backgrounds with me. We exchanged business cards, laying a foundation for potential professional collaborations in the future.

Following the networking segment, we were ushered into an intellectually stimulating session with eleven Nobel Laureates. I had the honor of engaging in discussions with Dr. Bernard Lucas Feringa and Dr. Klaus von Klitzing, distinguished recipients of the Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics, respectively. Their discourse primarily revolved around their extensive experiences about scientific research, sprinkled with amusing anecdotes that made the interaction both enlightening and enjoyable. Despite their advanced age, the passion they exhibited towards the pursuit of scientific knowledge were incredibly inspiring.

One of the most awe-inspiring moments of this session was when Dr. Klaus von Klitzing graciously shared his Nobel medal with us, allowing us to pass it around. Feeling the weight of the medal and the monumental achievements it represented was an utterly surreal experience.

Over the subsequent two and a half days of the STS, Artificial Intelligence (AI) unmistakably stood at the epicenter of attention, being referenced in nearly every session. It was evident that everyone recognized the profound impact AI is destined to have on our lives. The dialogue on how to harness AI optimally, while mitigating its potential adverse effects on our lives, emerged as a worthwhile topic for contemplation and discussion.

Besides the main sessions, I attended specialized sessions revolving around Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Nuclear Fusion. These sessions provided a platform for scientists and experts from various domains to share their insights on the forefront of these fields and the challenges that lie therein. Their discourse fostered an environment of rich discussion, where ideas and perspectives intermingled to shed light on the advancements and unsolved problems of these fields.

Even though the technical depth of some discussions ventured beyond my full comprehension, the exposure to cutting-edge information was immensely valuable. The insights shared by seasoned experts broadened my understanding and piqued my interest in these burgeoning fields of technology and science. The dialogues not only offered a glimpse into the contemporary challenges and opportunities but also encouraged a collaborative ethos among the attendees to potentially work towards solving some of the pressing issues faced by these scientific communities.