Interview | Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry Comes to Wuhan Again 11 Years Later: Wuhan is developing rapidly, and the scientists here are full of vitality

On October 13th, the 2023 International Photochemical Technology and Industry Conference concluded in Wuhan. At the closing ceremony of the conference, Benjamin Liszt, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, gave a keynote speech on "Organic Catalysts of Human Society"

On October 13th, the 2023 International Photochemical Technology and Industry Conference concluded in Wuhan. At the closing ceremony of the conference, Benjamin Liszt, winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, gave a keynote speech on "Organic Catalysts of Human Society". As a world-class "chemical giant", Nine Facts News conducted an exclusive interview with Benjamin Liszt.

Benjamin Liszt in an interview

Jiupai News: The world's fourth and Asia's first photochemical institute has settled in Qingshan, Wuhan, with a main focus on applied basic research. Do you have any suggestions for the future development of the photochemical industry in Qingshan District?

Benjamin Liszt: I think photochemistry is a very good research direction because in the future, the development of chemistry is a direction of sustainability. Because if we were to break free from the previous burning of fossil fuels, it would be a sustainable energy source. As long as there is the sun, it is an inexhaustible source of energy.

Jiupai News: Qingshan District and even Wuhan City are full of expectations for this continuous interaction with you in the future. Would you consider interacting or collaborating with researchers from the Institute of Optics and Chemistry and related fields in Wuhan?

Benjamin Liszt: Of course, I am looking forward to it very much. The last time I came to Wuhan was 11 years ago. I have come to Wuhan again this time and have indeed witnessed the changes in this city. The scientists here are very dynamic and thoughtful. So, why not collaborate? I am looking forward to more cooperation and interaction with you on this project.

Jiupai News: Can you talk about your feelings about attending this conference?

Benjamin Liszt: The research direction of photochemistry is indeed very promising. Although my own photochemistry is not completely aligned with my laboratory's direction, it is not a particular research field for me. But I am very happy to attend such a conference. Mmm. As I said, I can see so many outstanding scientists and it can also bring me to Wuhan again. After this visit, I found that both Wuhan and the whole of China are full of vitality and have developed very quickly, leaving a deep impression on me.

Jiupai News: Do you think the photochemical technology and industry conference hosted by Qingshan in Wuhan will have any impact on the development of China's photochemical field?

Benjamin Liszt: My personal idea is that this will enable the integration of industry and academia, which is to enable the academic community and our industry to communicate with each other. And it's like studying this catalyst. It plays a promoting role and does not require additional energy or funding. It can enable some of the latest ideas from the academic community to be applied to the industry. I believe that this will play a very important role in the future development of photochemistry.

Nine Faction Journalist Wang Jing Correspondent Wei Hanyu

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