Organised by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation

In Partnership with Nobel Media and Nobel Museum

Two-day event opens with significant participation from university students, academics and specialists

Dubai, March 20, 2016

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, opened the Nobel Prize Series - Dubai 2016 today with significant participation from university students, academics and specialists as the event offered them a rare platform to interact with three Nobel Laureates from the fields of chemistry and physics.

The two-day event, organised as part of the Nobel Museum Exhibition in Dubai, seeks through discussion sessions and specialized lectures to promote the concepts of creativity and innovation among the youth and student groups and encourage them to take up scientific research and produce knowledge.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, described the Nobel Prize Series as a knowledge and scientific event that reaffirms the UAE's pioneering status as a supporter of major global platforms that promote innovation and creativity among all segments of the society to contribute to the welfare and prosperity of peoples and countries.

HE Bin Huwaireb said: "We welcome the Nobel Laureates who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge, and whose scientific achievements have provided solutions to several challenges. Their works represent their determination and hard work, and serve as a source of pride for all mankind. They are an inspiration for future generations to contribute to the well-being of societies."

He said the Nobel Prize Series - Dubai 2016 aims to encourage innovation and creativity concepts among members of the society by offering an opportunity for direct communication with innovators. The event also provides a specialized platform to bring together Nobel Laureates with experts and scholars in the country to highlight the achievements of these scientists through various activities, including lectures and discussion sessions, he added.

HE Bin Huwaireb said the event is a novel initiative of its kind to inspire youth to participate effectively in the various scientific activities, and contribute to the overall development of societies and peoples.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lars Heikensten, Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation, said "We are proud to present Nobel Prize Series in Dubai together with MBRF. 'Learning for Life' is the main topic for the events, and this signals our ambition to encourage future generations to curiosity and engagement in science, literature and peace in line with Alfred Nobel's vision."

The participating Nobel Laureates described their scientific journey that enabled them to become Nobel Prize winners. Dr. George Smoot, a physicist and researcher in the physical sciences at the University of California, and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006, spoke about his achievements that required decades of research and studies driven by his keen desire to contribute to the efforts to improve human life. Smoot pointed out the need for direct communication with the discoverers through similar events, calling on scientists to transfer their expertise and experiences to future generations.

Martin Chalfie, a professor of Columbia University and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2008, explained that direct communication between scientists and university students provides an opportunity for students to learn about basic requirements for discoveries. Chalfie said that Nobel Prize is a platform that enables humanity to see the effect of scientific discoveries on people and the contribution of people to science. He said persistent hard work is the key to discoveries and innovations that offer solutions to challenges, and creates Nobel Prize winners.

Kurt Wüthrich, a professor of structural biology at Scripps Research Institute in California and winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002, said that failures in human life are steps towards success and inspirations to do more to overcome challenges facing the world. "We need more knowledge to address the obstacles, and success cannot be achieved without courage and the ability to take risks," Wüthrich said.

Sarah Amiri, Chairperson of the UAE Council of Scientists, talked to students about her experiences, and highlighted the significant role played by the UAE and its wise leadership in providing the right environment and resources for youth to achieve excellence in all fields. Stressing that scientific progress requires constant work and keen interest to learn from the experiences of others, Sarah Amiri said solutions can be found for the most difficult issues by adopting innovative thinking.

MBRF is hosting the month-long Nobel Museum Exhibition in Dubai for the second consecutive year. This year the exhibition is taking place at Children's City in Dubai Creek Park under the theme 'Exploring Life: The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine', until March 21.

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© Press Release 2016