On April 11, Nobel Prize Laureate (Chemistry 2011), Distinguished Professor Dan Shechtman of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology delivered a lecture entitled "The connection between the Nobel Prize and Education for Innovation and Entrepreneurship" for faculties and students of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) and Shantou University (STU). 

The words from Prof. Dan Shechtman were like a guiding light, illuminating GTIIT students' journey of study and scientific research. During the lecture, the student journalists of GTIIT Student Media Center raised questions actively, showcasing their diligence in thinking and inquiring. They also took photos and expressed how they feel in words.

Following the footsteps of the student journalists, let's review this enlightening scientific feast.

Student Journalists' Note

Student journalists asked questions to Prof. Dan Shechtman

Fan Xin

"You will succeed in something that you like." This seemingly simple sentence has answered a long-standing question in my mind.

On April 11th, Distinguished Professor Dan Shechtman of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, the 2011 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, came to Shantou to give a lecture for the students of GTIIT and STU. It is my great honor to attend the lecture. Everyone came to the scene early that day, and the space was almost full in the auditorium. We were excited, looking forward to seeing the professor from afar. Although the professor is more than 80 years old, he looked radiant with full of vitality.

When I was a child, "Nobel Prize" was something I could only learn from TV and textbooks. For most of us, it is undoubtedly sacred. As a student journalist, I could not help but be nervous. Surprisingly, Prof. Dan Shechtman was highly approachable, and he talked to us on stage in a way that parents provided care for their children.

photo by Fan Xin

In fact, I had been confused about how to choose between career and interest before, and his words suddenly woke me up. "If you want to enjoy a successful professional life, my recommendation is, choose a subject that you like, whatever you want. And try to be No.1. I promise you, you will have a wonderful scientific or engineering career, because you will succeed in something that you like." The wise words helped me put down my inner anxiety and encouraged me to freely explore on the fertile soil of science.

People are born with fear of long paths and heavy suffering. We may hesitate and feel discouraged sometimes. However, with faith and passion for what we love, we will thrive on the life journey. "You will succeed in something that you like." The quote still vibrates powerfully in my heart.

Yue Chongsheng

Listening to Prof. Dan Shechtman's scientific journey, I deeply appreciated the loneliness and challenges we have to face amid scientific exploration, as well as the joy of achievement when a breakthrough is finally achieved. For me, a senior student, the lecture is not only a narrative of his scientific journey, but also a guiding light that illuminates my thinking of future academic path.

In particular, his persistence and courage in the face of doubts and objections touched me greatly. In the field of scientific research, new discoveries are often accompanied by controversies and challenges. Prof. Dan Shechtman's experience made me realize that it is crucial to stand up for your belief and the truth of science in the face of questioning. This is not only an insistence on scientific rigour, but also a test of one's faith. I may encounter similar dilemmas and challenges in my future research, and his persistence encouraged me to fight up against them.

In addition, his strict requirements for experimental details left a deep impression on me. Every detail in scientific research may hide a major discovery. No matter what research I will engage in in the future, a meticulous experimental attitude is the key to success. His lab notes, data analysis, and his respect for experimental results are examples I need to learn from.

Finally, Prof. Dan Shechtman's career change motivated me to rethink about my future. His transition from mechanical engineer to materials scientist was not only a switch in field, but also a pursuit of personal interest, which taught me that career is not just about immediate benefits, but also about personal interests and long-term development. As Prof. Dan Shechtman mentioned, striving for what you love is the best way to realize your personal value and professional satisfaction.

photo by Zeng Xianle

Liu Yi

When I first entered the auditorium, a huge crowd of people came in sight. As a student journalist, it was a little difficult for me to get relaxed seeing so many people attaching great importance to this lecture. However, such tension disappeared when Chancellor Gong gave his opening speech, and both he and Prof. Dan Shechtman gave lectures in a cordial manner.

Prof. Dan Shechtman shared with us the history of materials science, interspersed with interesting personal experiences. The stories resonated well with everyone and drew a very joyful atmosphere. Meanwhile, I also felt the professor's lifelong love for his study and science. During the Q&A session, I was particularly impressed by his confession that the Nobel Prize had actually "stopped" his research because of his advanced age at the time of the award. His open-mindedness and rationality touched me greatly. Under the circumstance, he turned to science education around the world and realized his life value in another way. The experience allowed me to sense the responsibility and motivation of a scientist and triggered further thinking among us.

Wang Wenhao

On April 11, GTIIT students had a meaningful lecture because the speaker was Prof. Dan Shechtman, the Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. When we arrived at the auditorium, I was shocked by the fully taken seats, so we had to sit on the steps aside.

Prof. Dan Shechtman, who is over 80 years old, introduced his research direction - quasicrystals to us. What impressed me most was his research path. In the early days of his research, his discovery was highly questioned by the scientific community. Another prestigious scientist once doubted and rejected Prof. Dan Shechtman's discovery of quasicrystals, and even the leader of his own research group told him to re-read the chemistry textbook. At one point, he quit his research group. Despite the ups and downs, he never thought about giving up. With unyielding spirits and over 40 years of perseverance, he finally proved himself in the scientific community and won the valuable Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Prof. Dan Shechtman told us, "I have never been afraid of failure, the worst thing is that there is no chance of failure. All we need is to be brave to take every step." Such wisdom nourished and inspired us to be more courageous on the road of scientific research.

Wang Haiyang

In the Q&A session, I asked Prof. Dan Shechtman about his feeling and expectation of GTIIT, and he answered my questions enthusiastically. He said that in these few days in GTIIT, he saw the unprecedented campus environment, very excellent faculty and many scientist professors. He encouraged us to cherish the present learning environment.

photo by Wang Haiyang

Huang Yuezhi

On the evening of 11 April, Prof. Dan Shechtman shared his journey to the Nobel Prize at GTIIT North Campus. His discovery in 1982 rewrote the definition of crystal. However, after his discovery of quasicrystals, some people disagreed with him. This scientist stood firm in his belief and pushed forward the science frontiers steadily. His courage and persistence set an admirable example for the scientific community, and his perseverance has brought important contributions to the advancement of human knowledge.

Liu Huayi

Prof. Dan Shechtman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery of quasicrystals. At the lecture, he began by describing the structural features and optical properties of quasicrystals. He gained a new understanding of innovation when the peculiar black color on the crystal was observed for the first time in a microscope. "Driven by great curiosity, I studied the cause of the black color and learned it was the icosahedral phase later, which was closely related to my research. I just followed an interesting idea and did research that interested me. The innovation itself is not really as complicated as it is thought to be. And the realization of that needs to be educated and guided."

Sharing his interesting experiences on the way towards Nobel Prize, Prof. Dan Shechtman asked the audience, "Why were quasicrystals not discovered until 1982? Was it because quasicrystals were too rare, too unstable, too difficult to manufacture, or are the elements that make up quasicrystals too rare?" He then replied, "No, none of that. The availability of the equipment and professional research skills of course matter, yet the resilience to carry out research for decades, strong self-confidence, and the ability to adjust quickly in the face of setbacks is more important."

Speaking of how he faced setbacks on the research journey, he said, "First of all, I have no fear of setbacks or failures! For me, setback is not something to be considered alone, and it will not affect my decision to start something. I believe I am capable of overcoming it."

At the end of the lecture, Prof. Dan Shechtman gave his life advice to the students and faculty. "Future scientists here, if you want to make a difference in your future career, first of all, choose a field that you love and strive to be No.1 in that field. In this way, I promise you, you will have a wonderful career."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, GTIIT Student Media Center