Nobel Laureate Moungi G. Bawendi Inspires Students at HITS: “Quantum Dots Will Shape the Future of Technology”
Chennai, December 18, 2025: Nobel Laureate Prof. Moungi G. Bawendi, Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, addressed students and researchers at the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai, during the International Conference on Quantum Horizons 2025: Materials, Intelligent Technologies and Sustainable Futures.
The three-day conference brought together global scientists, industry leaders, and academic experts to explore emerging developments in quantum science and advanced technologies. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Pro Chancellor, HITS.
Prof. Bawendi, renowned for his pioneering work on quantum dots, delivered the keynote address and interacted with young scholars. He emphasized the transformative potential of quantum materials, noting that curiosity and persistence drive scientific progress.
“Quantum dots, like many breakthroughs, began not as products but as questions: how do material properties change when we control matter atom by atom? What may first appear as abstract quantum effects can evolve into powerful real-world applications—from displays and biomedical imaging to energy efficiency, sensing, and electronics,” he said.
Looking ahead, Prof. Bawendi highlighted the role of quantum dots in flexible displays, electroluminescence, photovoltaics for energy harvesting, and quantum information systems. He stressed that turning discovery into technology requires simplicity, scalability, and collaboration across disciplines.
“Quantum materials will be foundational to next-generation technologies. Progress is driven by curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to adapt. If we remain open to exploration, today’s scientific questions will become tomorrow’s transformative solutions,” he added.
Dr. Ashok George Verghese underscored the importance of such platforms in shaping future leaders.
“Conferences like Quantum Horizons 2025 are not merely academic gatherings; they inspire young minds to innovate responsibly. Research must contribute to sustainability, national development, and the greater good of society,” he said.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on translating laboratory research into scalable industry applications, with contributions from Prof. Ajayan Vinu (University of Newcastle, Australia), Mr. Josh Foulger (CEO, Zetwerk), and Dr. Rajeev Ahuja (Director, IIT Ropar).
Over the coming days, keynote sessions and expert talks will be delivered by speakers from MIT, IIT Madras, IIT Ropar, IBM Quantum India, A*STAR Singapore, and leading Australian universities. Themes will include quantum computing, nanotechnology, sustainable materials, artificial intelligence, and academia–industry collaboration
