Nobel Prize Winner in Physics Visits UNAB: «Never Stop Teaching, Because Without Teaching, Science Does Not Advance»

UNAB had the honor of welcoming Serge Haroche, who visited the university as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Congress of the Future. In this private meeting, the Nobel laureate addressed fundamental issues in science and education, engaging with university leadership and students. He emphasized the significance of interdisciplinarity in fields such as astronomy, where advancements in optics and physics have been crucial.

Haroche also explained how historic scientific breakthroughs—such as measuring the speed of light and determining the shape of the Earth—required collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines. Furthermore, he highlighted how technological advances, including atomic clocks and GPS, stem from centuries of progress in precision measurement instruments, enabling deeper research into the relationship between gravitation and quantum physics.

«I want to thank Universidad Andrés Bello for inviting me to see its facilities and meet its research teams. The message I would like to share with students is to keep an open mind, explore connections between disciplines, and not be overwhelmed by existing knowledge, but rather focus on contributing something new,» said Haroche.

For his part, Pierre Paul Romagnoli, Dean of the School of Exact Sciences, praised Haroche’s insightful discussion. «His perspective on the distinction between progress and innovation left a lasting impression on me. I also appreciated his view on artificial intelligence, which he described as a tool rather than an end in itself. What truly matters is scientific curiosity and the drive to solve problems. That is the essence of science, and it is the message we strive to instill in our students.»

Similarly, Timo Anguita, Director of the PhD in Astrophysics at UNAB, underscored the significance of Haroche’s visit. «Hosting a Nobel laureate is an inspiring event that leaves an indelible mark on our students. Haroche reminded us of the importance of teaching, knowledge transmission, and lifelong learning,» he said. Anguita also emphasized Haroche’s extensive international experience, which enriches his perspective on global scientific development.

During the meeting, Haroche also addressed the challenges of science education today, including the decreasing tolerance for frustration among students. «Never stop teaching, because without teaching, science does not advance,» he stated, reaffirming his commitment to training future generations of scientists.