Nobel laureate Konstantin Novoselov: Talent is widespread, but it thrives where there is support
In an exclusive interview for the University of Montenegro portal, Nobel laureate Konstantin Kostya Novoselov reveals why he believes supporting the University of Montenegro is crucial in its efforts to gather the diasporas intellectual force. He also discusses how science development in Montenegro can be supported and identifies scientific fields that could attract researchers to Montenegro.
The occasion for this conversation was his honorary hosting and opening of the international scientific conference "Days of the Diaspora and Friends of Montenegro 2023" at the end of the past year. Novoselov, a physicist and professor at the Center for Advanced 2D Materials at the National University of Singapore since 2019, holds the title of Langworthy Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester. His work on graphene with Andre Geim earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. In the interview, he also shares insights into his other interests, the significance of awards for scientists, and his perspective on the intersection of science and art when it comes to masterpieces or scientific discoveries.
UoM: Given your prominent role as the guest of honor at the international scientific conference "Days of the Diaspora and Friends of Montenegro 2023," could you share what motivated you to accept this invitation and the significance you find in being a part of this event?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: Oh, I mean, there are many factors at play here. Of course, some of your professors are very persuasive, and there have been times when Ive succumbed to their persuasiveness. But I genuinely appreciate when people are enthusiastic, and they certainly are. I mean, I dont like people who are mentally unengaged, so here, if people are enthusiastic, Im more than happy to support them, at least in some way. Moreover, its truly a gathering of very accomplished, strong scientists, each deeply passionate about their research, so its quite satisfying to be a part of this community.
UoM: What potential do you see in the collaboration between Montenegrin scientists and the diaspora, and how do you believe such collaboration can contribute to the development of science in Montenegro?
So, there is a lot of power in the diaspora, including the participants of this conference, myself included. But, of course, there is much more power in the people attending this conference. Whats important to realize is that no one can develop Montenegros science from outside. People from outside can provide assistance...
UoM: Is this consistent with your experience as well?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: Well, yes, science is primarily conducted on-site. You cant do science remotely or part-time; you have to fully dedicate yourself to it. It needs to originate from within, but it can be greatly enhanced and amplified through communication with the diaspora. Im willing to offer my support, but it must be driven from here. I can sponsor Ph.D. students to work in my lab and earn their Ph.D., and then send them back to bring our technology here. However, there must be someone here to prepare and motivate those students. These motivated students need the encouragement and opportunity to go abroad, gain experience, and then return, provided with the conditions to continue their work and further develop it. Its a process that requires effort. it requires some work and quite hard work from everyone. You cannot expect that just diaspora will do everything. So they can help, but still the key activity should be here.
UoM: Could you highlight specific scientific fields or projects that are currently considered the most consequential and promising for the future, especially in the context of smaller countries?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: Okay, there are several ways to answer this question. Let me provide an example. I ran a new institute in Singapore and was supposed to assemble a staff to work on specific objectives. It would be a misconception to think that you can recruit talented individuals and make them work on particular tasks as if it were the Manhattan Project. Talented people typically work on what genuinely interests them. Youre fortunate if their interests align with the goals of your institute. So youre asking me, What kind of science can we support here? I dont believe you have much choice in the matter. Youre not supporting science; youre supporting scientists. Scientists will pursue what theyre passionate about. You cant dictate, Now you must study the genome of this grape from A to B, or A to G, or A to L. They will only work on it if theyre genuinely interested. If not, sorry. I think the right approach is to support talented scientists. Whoever you have here, support them.
UoM: Is this also the message for the decision makers of Montenegro when it comes to this?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: No, its not. There are strategies, of course, and science is never conducted in isolation; strong collaboration and cross-coordination are always important. In Montenegro, you have several unique opportunities that you can leverage. As I mentioned earlier, there is one industry unique in the world. Create a center for studying the genomics of your grape and invite experts from around the world. Many would be interested, and this could establish connections with numerous countries and give you access to the sea. Theres also a fascinating microclimate here, which many people across the globe would be eager to study. Montenegro is a crossroads between numerous civilizations, making it a unique opportunity in terms of archaeology and history. Leverage these unique features to your advantage.
UoM: In the meantime, the bearers of science are the leading world countries
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: I would say that humans are talented reasonably across the globe and the country or the area or the place which manage to attract more talents so because there are 100 talents in physics per 1000 population in Montenegro and it’s the same as in United States or in China or in Russia or in the United Kingdom. If you want to boost your science the only way you can do it is to attract more talents you slightly deplete them in one place and you slightly enhance them in another place, so globally the rate of discoveries is only growing so the science is only prevailing but we do see areas which get deploited of talents because typically what happens you cannot suppress science you just push those talented people to go to the places they are supported better so globally it doesn’t change dramatically, it creates some fluctuations but not terribly big. Eventually the science will survive but we will see he redistribution and more discoveries made in one places than in the others
i would say that humans are talented reasonably across the globe and the country or the area or the place which manage to attract more talents so because there are 100 talents in physics per 1000 population in Montenegro and it’s the same as in United States or in China or in Russia or in the United Kingdom. If you want to boost your science the only way you can do it is to attract more talents you slightly deplete them in one place and you slightly enhance them in another place, so globally the rate of discoveries is only growing so the science is only prevailing but we do see areas which get deploited of talents because typically what happens you cannot suppress science you just push those talented people to go to the places they are supported better so globally it doesn’t change dramatically, it creates some fluctuations but not terribly big. Eventually the science will survive but we will see he redistribution and more discoveries made in one places than in the others.
UoM: How does your Nobel Prize-winning pioneering work in the field of graphene and its profound impact on the world today and purpose in your scientific journey?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: Graphene is a truly fascinating and unique material, simultaneously robust and simple. It has become a vast playground for experimental groups and theoretical physicists alike. We thoroughly enjoyed our work with it. Im not sure if Ill ever have a similar experience in my life, but it marked the beginning of my journey with graphene. Starting from scratch, with little knowledge and gradually delving into it, these were some of the most enjoyable years of my life. We had the privilege of working with excellent collaborators and competitors, which added a lot of enthusiasm. Now, graphene is finding applications in various devices across many fields, which is truly remarkable. Some of these applications are quite intriguing and might be worth exploring in the future.
UoM: Did receiving the Nobel Prize influence your perspective on science and your role as a scientist, and did it bring you a sense of fulfilment?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: We are still engaged in some work in this field. As for fulfillment, I dont believe so. You know, for any person, if you ask them, How much money do you need? Its not just about money or the level of comfort; whats truly important is the gradient. Its like the derivative where day by day, you aim for improvements, whether its more money or greater comfort. Scientists are no different. Once a particular discovery, if we can call it that, is made, thats it. Youre back to square one.
Hence, you have to keep producing and discovering more. In that sense, I dont feel any fulfilment whatsoever; it doesnt really matter. What truly matters is what youve accomplished today and if youve contributed any new, interesting results or added to our pool of knowledge. It might sound pretentious, but believe me, thats how it is."
UoM: So, the moment of receiving the Nobel Prize hasnt changed much. The quest for scientific truth continues...
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: The Nobel Prize is the greatest acknowledgment for a scientist. But first, you dont work for the prize. If you look at my pictures from the day of the prize announcement, you can see that no one expected it. So, we didnt expect it to happen. I mean, those are terrible pictures, with me unshaven, wearing the worst possible t-shirts with holes in them. Thats how I usually come to work. The fact that Im clean-shaven today is unusual, believe me. So when I come to work in Singapore, its in shorts and slippers, which goes against health and safety regulations, but I cant allow myself that luxury as a director. It would be a lie to say that it doesnt affect you, whether for good or bad, I dont know. There are many positive aspects because its easier to gain access to ears that will listen to you, maybe attracting better students and securing funding. So, I mean, we did benefit from it. People start to ask you for more, and they become much more demanding. Thats true as well. So, I knew my task was going to be challenging. My goal was to minimize the level of its impact on me, and thats what I was trying to do.
Besides science, youre engaged in visual contemporary art, including painting and other forms of artistic expression. How do you find a balance or synergy between your scientific endeavours and artistic pursuits, and do these inform or influence each other in any way?
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER NOVOSELOV: Generally, I usually don’t like when people interconnect science and art and they say: Ok, you need to study art because it unleashes your brain and so on, but there is a connection on some level and its exactly coming back to the question of how do we make our discoveries and in that sense it is very similar question of how people create master peace and before studying art I would say people just listening to those artists talking about inspiration and you need to be in a certain mood, maybe me being a completely rational person I would say: “Come on, either you can or you cannot paint. What kind of inspiration are you talking about?” Staring practicing art I can tell you there is absolutely no chance you can do any painting without inspiration. How to produce inspiration, we don’t know, we don’t have recopies and in that sense its same as how can you produce a discovery. You cannot plan a discovery and I have no idea how discoveries are coming. I mean, not that I do it regular, but there is no rule and there is no guarantee that you will make it and I am not even sure if we make it or we just listen to the background noise of scientific knowledge by reading papers, listening to the presentations at the conferences, looking at your own data and then somehow all these combination eventually just trigger some, if not breakthrough, but new connection between the data and you create this new language which we call Discovery, so I think that’s the two processes that are connected but on much deeper level, trying to understand how our brain creates new languages and new understanding and new knowledge and honestly practicing art help me to understand this connection. I still don’t have recopies, but it helped me to understand that this connection exists.
Connected News:
Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Konstantin Novoselov, we remind you, was also a guest on the XXII podcast "Key Words," which the Central University Library CUB conducts in collaboration with the Faculty of Dramatic Arts.
You can watch the conversation with Prof. Dr. Novoselov on the CUB YouTube channel or in the video attachment below: