Special Lecture by Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Professor Moungi G. Bawendi

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Kyushu University hosted a special lecture by Professor Moungi G. Bawendi of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, at the Shiiki Hall on the Ito Campus.

This lecture was made possible through a proposal to the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, by SHOEI CHEMICAL INC., whose Itoshima Plant is located within the Itoshima Research Park. The proposal aligned with Professor Bawendi's plans to visit the plant.

The lecture, titled “Quantum Dots: From Curiosity to Technology,” covered Professor Bawendi's personal experiences and research. He also encouraged students and researchers to maintain a flexible mindset and curiosity, and to persist in their research without giving up. Approximately 700 participants attended the lecture, including students, faculty, and staff from the university, as well as representatives from SHOEI CHEMICAL INC. The Q&A session was lively and well-received, with active participation and numerous questions.

Following the lecture, a roundtable discussion was held between Professor Bawendi and chemistry students from the Graduate School of Science, the Faculty of Science, and the Graduate School of Engineering. This session facilitated a candid exchange of views on research and career paths, providing students with a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue with a world-renowned researcher.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Moungi G. Bawendi for his lecture and to SHOEI CHEMICAL INC. for providing this opportunity.