On January 8, 2025, Kyung Hee University (KHU)’s International Center for Quantum Matter (ICQM) hosted Prof. Kim Philip, a promising Korean candidate for the Nobel Prize, for a special lecture in the Central Library Conference Room on the Seoul Campus. Under the theme of "Successful Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research", various figures attended the lecture alongside the students, including University President Kim Jin-sang, Seoul Campus Vice-President Chi Eun-lim, Vice President External Cooperation Kim Jong-bok, and Seoul Office Academic Affairs Director Yoon Yeu-jun.

Professor Kim Philip: A Renowned Scholar in Condensed Matter Physics

In 2023, he became the first Korean to win the Benjamin Franklin Medal, proving that his work was a groundbreaking scientific achievement. This medal has been awarded to legendary scientists such as Thomas Edison and Marie Curie, with 122 medalists later winning the Nobel Prize. Given this historical trend, the Franklin medal winners are considered to be the closest to the Nobel Prize. This led to him being known as the closest Korean to the Nobel Prize.

Prof. Kim’s international recognition began in 2005 with the publication of his seminal paper on the physical properties of graphene. Currently, he is a professor in the Dept. of Physics at Harvard University while also joining KHU as an Eminent Scholar (ES) in 2024 to conduct research at the ICQM.

Summarize the Lecture

The lecture covered essential topics including the evolution and core principles of quantum mechanics, the significance of the quantum revolution, and the importance of quantum materials research. Prof. Kim began by discussing the historical development of quantum mechanics, highlighting the 1927 Fifth Solvay Conference, where leading physicists such as Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr laid the foundation for the field. He then explored how quantum mechanics has overcome the constraints of classical physics.

Following the theoretical lecture, he shared his research experiences as a postdoctoral researcher at the Miller Institute at UC Berkeley. Unlike traditional research institutions, the Miller Institute fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among experts from various fields, including chemistry, electrical engineering, astronomy, biology, and geology.

One of its unique features is a weekly group lunch, where researchers from different disciplines present their work and engage in discussions. Prof. Kim noted that while interdisciplinary collaboration required overcoming different perspectives and communication styles, ultimately leading to valuable learning experiences.

He concluded the lecture by emphasizing the vast potential of quantum science and the numerous discoveries awaiting future researchers. He encouraged young scholars to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, societal solidarity, global cooperation, and competition beyond institutional and national boundaries to address the challenges.

Q&A Session

The lecture concluded with a 30-minute Q&A session. When asked, “What perspectives did you gain from interdisciplinary research?” Prof. Kim shared his experience of working with chemists, highlighting how different disciplines approach problems in distinct ways. He emphasized that successful research often requires integrating concepts from multiple fields rather than relying solely on expertise in a single discipline. This response underscored the importance of diversity in education in today’s rapidly changing world.

Another student asked, “Are your research goals practical and achievable, or are they more idealistic?” In response, Prof. Kim acknowledged that many of his research objectives are significant and challenging, and he often does not have clear solutions.

However, he stressed that embracing diverse perspectives and continuously taking on new challenges is essential. He also noted that success in research often involves a degree of luck, and researchers must be prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.

Concluding the session, he encouraged young students to seek out a variety of experiences, emphasizing that such encounters could lead to unexpected moments of inspiration and opportunities throughout their academic journeys.

Prof. Kim’s lecture provided valuable insights into interdisciplinary research and successful academic collaboration. The event not only helped students understand the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation but also encouraged faculty members to reflect on the necessity of educational diversity. By sharing his experiences, Prof. Kim appears to inspire attendees to explore new frontiers in quantum science and collaborative research.