In an exclusive interview for Leaders Talk, David Gross, the 2004 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, shared his insights on China’s remarkable advancements in the realm of basic science. Awarded the Nobel for his discovery of asymptotic freedom in the theory of the strong interaction, Gross highlighted China’s \"enormous\" and \"astonishing\" progress, particularly in essential scientific fields.
Gross emphasized that curiosity-driven research is a primary driver of scientific progress. He commended China for its strong focus on basic science and expressed his belief that the country is well-positioned to take a leadership role on the global stage. \"China should continue to prioritize and invest in basic science to lead the way in future innovations,\" Gross stated.
A staunch advocate for international collaboration, Gross voiced his concerns over the current frictions between China and the United States. He described the ongoing tensions as \"extremely dangerous and bad\" for the scientific community, stressing that global cooperation is crucial for continued advancements in science and technology.
Drawing inspiration from popular science literature, Gross mentioned Liu Cixin's novel The Three-Body Problem as a source of motivation. He believes that such works can spark curiosity and drive individuals to pursue scientific exploration. Reflecting on the nature of scientific discovery, Gross remarked that it is often a \"gamble\" where luck plays a significant role.
The conversation between Gross and CMG's Zou Yun sheds light on the importance of fostering a supportive environment for scientific research and the need for sustained international partnerships to overcome global challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
