"You don't have to be a genius to become a researcher. The important thing is to contribute to science and enjoy the process of exploration."
On the 7th, a special lecture by Victor Ambros, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and recipient of last year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was held at the Korea Higher Education Foundation building in Gangnam, Seoul. Even before the lecture began, the venue was bustling with students eager to take photos with Professor Ambros. There were not only college and graduate students, but also many high school students in uniforms. While it is common for Nobel laureates to visit Korea, it is rare for a laureate from the previous year to visit immediately like Professor Ambros.
During the lecture, Professor Ambros emphasized that the path of a researcher is not one that is only available to special individuals. He said, "In the 6th grade, I wasn't exactly an 'A student' or someone who particularly excelled in science and math," and added, "But I always had a steady curiosity about science and never once thought I didn't want to become a scientist."
Professor Ambros's research journey was not always smooth. He stated, "During my doctoral studies, there were many moments of frustration when experiments didn't go as planned," and noted, "At that time, my advisor advised me, 'You don't have to be a genius to do research. The important thing is to contribute to research,' and thanks to that, I was able to continue my work."
Professor Ambros said, "Even now that I have won the Nobel Prize, I feel there is so much I do not know about living organisms," and added, "I never conducted research with the goal of winning a Nobel Prize. I simply enjoyed exploring science, and it was important to contribute to the flow of knowledge." He then expressed, "I hope you also aim for science simply and can make meaningful contributions in the vast flow of knowledge."
In the following Q&A session, students who, like Professor Ambros in his youth, had concerns about research filled the room. One student expressed, "I am doing research, but I am not getting any positive results. I don't know where my research is headed." Another student said, "Sometimes I feel like my research will never come to an end, and I get frustrated."
In response, Professor Ambros emphasized the importance of peer support during the research process. He highlighted, "The reason I could be here today is thanks to my wife Rosalind Lee, a researcher, and my colleague Rhonda Feinbaum, who have been my greatest supporters and motivators throughout my research and life."
The decisive moment that led to Professor Ambros winning the Nobel Prize also stemmed from collaboration with his colleagues. He recalled, "In 1992, although we were in a competitive relationship with the lab led by Gary Ruvkin, we chose cooperation over competition," and said, "Thanks to sharing data obtained from each lab, we were able to make important scientific discoveries." He emphasized, "Science progresses not through competition, but through the process of sharing knowledge and collaborating."
Professor Ambros advised the students, "What I realized while doing research is that everyone goes through difficult processes," stating, "If you focus only on your own research, it's easy to fall into the illusion that others are doing well while you are the only one struggling. However, it's important to share difficulties and exchange opinions to help one another. Don't hesitate to knock on doors and ask questions."
He also identified 'curiosity' and 'the will to learn' as the most important factors for walking the path of a scientist. Professor Ambros highlighted, "If any field seems interesting and fun, you have a sufficient motivation to continue your research," and emphasized, "Curiosity is the powerful driving force that enables new discoveries."