Summary of Key Points
Ding Hong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared his philosophy on "happy scientific research" in an interview: Research is not the entire purpose of life; one should approach it with a sense of enjoyment and maintain enthusiasm through diverse hobbies. He emphasized that having a "scientific taste" is crucial for choosing the right direction in research, and that cross-disciplinary fields such as art can inspire innovative ideas. Ding also discussed the use of AI to assist in scientific research and mentioned his future goal of developing topological quantum computers. He offered advice to young researchers on balancing their passion with happiness.
1. Happy Scientific Research: Don't Treat It as a Mandate or Performance
Ding Hong believes that the essence of scientific research lies in "inner joy." If one approaches it like a monk undergoing ascetic practices or merely for show, they will not do well. His own secret to success is treating physics as just one of his many hobbies. For example, he enjoys music and art, and when other interests face setbacks, returning to physics helps him find pure joy. This approach has enabled his team to overcome international challenges, such as observing the Weyl fermion phenomenon.
He cited two Nobel laureates, Wang Hong and Deng Yu, who lead exciting lives; Deng Yu also enjoys playing chess and writing classical poetry, demonstrating that it is possible to combine research with other pursuits, with happiness being the source of sustained enthusiasm.
2. Scientific Taste: Choosing the Right Problem Is More Important Than Hard Work
Ding Hong points out that the underlying reason for the success of top scientists is a good "scientific taste"—the ability to identify problems that are both challenging and solvable. For instance, Yang Zhenning and Lee Tsung-Dao proposed the concept of parity non-conservation when they were young because they could perceive the "beauty" in science and chose topics that were both intriguing and feasible.
How to develop a scientific taste? Ding Hong suggests: 1) Consolidate existing knowledge (breakthroughs often lie in old foundations); 2) Use AI to help organize cutting-edge information; 3) Engage in frequent cross-disciplinary exchanges—even when busy, he attends top European academic conferences to exchange ideas with young scholars. His recent report on new iron-based superconductivity findings at a German conference is a result of such interactions.
He warns that following trends may hinder originality, while completely ignoring them can lead to dead ends. "Scientific taste is about finding the balance in between."
3. Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration: Art and Science Can Spark Innovation
Ding Hong often draws inspiration from art. Once, while listening to a concert at the National Center for the Performing Arts, he had a breakthrough idea for iron-based superconductivity (which became the subject of his report in Germany). Due to poor signal quality in the concert hall, he waited until after the event to share the idea with his students.
To foster more such moments of inspiration, he founded the "Lee Tsung-Dao Center for Science and Art," which combines science, art, and the beauty of nature. He also displayed a tie with an equation from Lee Tsung-Dao's manuscript as a symbol of this integration. He believes that focusing on one thing for a lifetime can be exhausting, while diverse hobbies can bring cross-disciplinary insights to research.
4. AI + Memory: A Dual Approach to Finding Breakthroughs
Ding Hong acknowledges the importance of a strong memory for organizing knowledge, but AI can now assist in processing large amounts of information to help identify breakthroughs. His team uses AI to sort through cutting-edge research to uncover connections that others may have missed.
However, he emphasizes that AI is just a tool; the ultimate judgment still lies with the scientist. While AI can generate 100 potential problems, it is the scientist's scientific taste that determines which ones are both challenging and feasible.
5. Advice for Young Researchers: Avoid Utilitarianism and Enjoy Life
Ding Hong offers practical advice to young researchers: 1) Don't treat research as a chore or a performance; 2) Maintain diverse hobbies to maintain enthusiasm; 3) Develop a scientific taste to choose the right direction; 4) Approach life with an optimistic attitude, as long-term passion comes from genuine interest and small joys, not utilitarian goals.
He also criticizes the current academic trend of some researchers who treat research as a stage for showing off their efforts or obtaining publications. True research should be part of enjoying life.
Future Goals: Topological Quantum Computers
Ding Hong believes that quantum computing is somewhat overhyped, but as long as the physical principles allow it, humans can achieve it. His next goal is to develop "fault-tolerant, highly efficient topological quantum computers," predicting that this might be possible in the next decade or two. This vision is driven by his philosophy of "happy scientific research, scientific taste, and cross-disciplinary inspiration."
In summary, Ding Hong's approach emphasizes a balanced and enjoyable approach to scientific research, combining various interests, AI, and intellectual pursuits to achieve breakthroughs.