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Middle School Science Department: Dialogue with Nobel Prize Laureate

September 11, 2023

On the afternoon of September 7th, invited by the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 82 students from grades 7 and 8 of SHSID had the privilege of having a close encounter with the renowned chemist and 2021 Nobel laureate, Professor Benjamin List. They attended his lecture and engaged in in-depth discussions. In addition, Maggie, an 8th-grade student from SHSID, was designated as the host for the "Dialogue with the Master" session.

During the lecture, Professor Benjamin List vividly shared his childhood anecdotes and discussed the profound impact these experiences had on his career. He reminisced about his curiosity and exploration of the world during his childhood, a spirit that accompanied him as he grew into an outstanding scientist. He encouraged the students to maintain their curiosity and perseverance, believing that they can achieve their dreams through hard work and continuous passion.

As a leading figure in the field of organic catalysis, Professor Benjamin List also shared his immense enthusiasm for this area. He explained the fundamental principles and applications of organic catalysis, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing a range of global issues. He pointed out the potential of organic catalysis in areas such as drug development, sustainable energy, and environmental protection, envisioning a better future for humanity.

During the Q&A session, our students actively participated and raised various questions, which Professor Benjamin List patiently answered. He shared his personal experiences and challenges in research, encouraging students to maintain a spirit of perseverance and innovation in scientific exploration. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex scientific problems.

Through this lecture, the students gained a deeper understanding of organic catalysis and were filled with anticipation for the future of this discipline. They realized the significant contributions that organic catalysis can make in solving global issues, such as developing new drugs for cancer treatment and providing renewable energy to combat global warming. However, they also recognized the current challenges, such as controlling complex reactions and addressing sustainability issues, which require further research and innovation to overcome. The students expressed their enthusiasm for organic catalysis ignited by this lecture and were encouraged to continue pursuing the path of science. They look forward to contributing to society and making efforts to solve global issues in the future.

Professor Benjamin List's lecture opened a door for SHSID students into the world of organic catalysis. Thanks to his inspiration and guidance, these young students will embark on a journey toward the future, continuously exploring and innovating, and contributing their efforts to human progress.

(Written by 8-11 Maggie Supervised by Rongzhang Hu Pictures by SIOC Edited by Serene Yang, Cong Luo, Darragh Mahon)