On 15 February, Professor Brian P. Schmidt, Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University and the 2011 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, was invited to participate in "ZIBS Global Leaders Series", sharing his insights on cultural exchange between the East and West, on future education prospects, and the potential for collaboration between higher education institutions.
Professor HE Lianzhen, Vice President of Zhejiang University, attended the event and delivered a speech. She pointed out that Professor Schmidt's lecture strengthens ties between Zhejiang University and the Australian National University and will certainly facilitate the educational collaboration and cultural exchange between the two universities.
Professor Schmidt began his lecture by sharing his research experience. He said that collaboration with scholars from around the world has given him a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the importance of different viewpoints in shaping research and international collaboration. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought great changes to the global society, Professor Schmidt called for deep collaboration between the two countries, emphasizing the role of educational institutes in creating diversity. He said that encouraging participation in academic research, restoring and expanding academic exchange programs, and rebuilding student and faculty mobility should become top priorities for China and Australia.
In the final part of the lecture, Professor Schmidt expressed his views on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He took the ChatGPT as an example which shows that the potential challenges for future development are not geographical distance and cultural bias, but the technology itself. Instead of seeing it as a threat, we should see it as an amazing opportunity. He encouraged everyone to continue to open the door to dialogue and engage in academic exchanges and bilateral partnerships, in order to respond to complex challenges.
During the Q&A session, a wide range of topics were covered including cultural exchange between China and Australia, the impact of music culture on Australian society, and self-development for young scholars. Professor Schmidt encouraged young scholars to try new things and pursue their dreams.
Professor BEN Shenglin, Dean of ZIBS, chaired the event. He emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges and expressed his wish for face-to-face interaction in the near future.
