HKUST Nobel Symposium Brings Together Scientific Leaders to Explore New Frontiers in Physics
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study will host a Nobel Symposium on February 6, 2026 (Friday), featuring three Nobel Laureates in Physics, along with Prof. Paul C. W. CHU, HKUST President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus, who is a physicist pioneering in high-temperature superconductivity. They will engage with HKUST faculty, students, alumni, researchers, and members of the public to explore the ultimate frontiers and future directions of physics. The event aims to foster connections among top scholars globally and strengthen HKUST's role as a global hub for advancing knowledge and nurturing talent.
As part of the celebrations for HKUST's 35th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study, this academic event, themed "Horizons Unbound: Exploring the Ultimate Frontiers of Science", will gather some of the world's most influential physicists. Through inspiring lectures and discussions, they will convey the power of science that can change the world.
The four keynote speakers (in alphabetical order by last name) include:
Prof. Paul C. W. CHU
- President Emeritus and University Professor Emeritus, HKUST
- Founding Director, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
- Professor of Physics, T. L. L. Temple Chair of Science, University of Houston
Prof. Chu is dedicated to achieving breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductivity research.
Prof. Steven CHU
- 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics, of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University
Prof. Chu is known for his significant academic achievement in developing methods for laser cooling and trapping atoms.
Prof. Takaaki KAJITA
- 2015 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- Distinguished University Professor, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of Tokyo
Prof. Kajita is recognized for observing evidence of neutrino oscillation, which is considered a groundbreaking achievement in particle physics.
Prof. Brian P. SCHMIDT
- 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics
- Astronomer, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University
Prof. Schmidt's research encompasses various fields of astronomy, including supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, gravitational wave transients, exoplanets, and metal-poor stars.
Event Details:
Date: February 6, 2026 (Friday)
Time: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Venue: Shaw Auditorium, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Language: English
The event is open for registration to HKUST members and the wider community. For more details and to secure your place, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/ias-nobel-symposium-feb-6-2026-tickets-1974959460912?aff=oddtdtcreator
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of July 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).
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