Over the three days of the first HOPE Meeting, 13 lectures were delivered by 5 Nobel laureates, scientists doing leading research in nanoscience and nanotechnology in Japan, an editor of an international science journal, and a renowned Japanese artist.

The first day started with a keynote lecture by Dr. Leo Esaki (1973 Nobel Laureate in Physics). He spoke to the need of cultivating a deeply rooted “culture of science” within the Asia-Pacific region. Invoking his own experiences, he admonished the young participants to cultivate within themselves a sharp scientific mind steeped in rational thought so as to become the kind of scientists who can contribute significantly to advancing research within the global community.

Dr. Heinrich Rohrer (1986 Nobel Laureate in Physics) spoke about the contributions that can be made by nanotechnology in solving issues that prevail within today’s society. He was followed by Dr. Hideki Shirakawa (2000 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry), who introduced the concept of serendipity in research, drawing upon an episode that happened in his discovery of polyacetylene film and conducting polymers.

On the next day, Dr. Alan Heeger (2000 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) described how the dream of developing low-cost plastic solar cells is becoming a reality using self-assembled nano-materials. Then, Dr. Robert B. Laughlin (1998 Nobel Laureate in Physics) had the students image a world in which carbon fuels had run out in considering the degree to which science is ready to take on the great challenge of energy supply that lies ahead.

Dr. Börje Johansson, member of the Royal Swedish Academy, spoke about the process entailed in selecting Nobel Prize winners and about the achievements of past laureates. Added to these lectures were also presentations by distinguished scientists, the editor of a science journal, and a Japanese painter, Mr. Ikuo Hirayama, who talked about the multicultural origins of Japanese culture derived via a long history of exchange with Asia across the Silk Road. Greatly inspired by these widely ranging lectures and presentations, the students asked volleys of questions after each of them.

　In the afternoon of the two days, the lecturers joined student groups to hold discussions lead by young Japanese researchers. The young participants enjoyed exchanging views with the distinguished scientists in a relaxed atmosphere. They received advice regarding their own research while delving into a wide range of topics including what’s needed to become a genuinely creative researcher, with the lecturers often drawing upon their own experiences in answering questions and offering counsel.

　By communicating directly with the lecturers, the students were able to acquire a depth of scientific perspectives and philosophies that could not be obtained through books or over the Internet. In addition, the discussions gave the young participants from throughout the region a good chance to interact with peers and mutually stimulate each other.