Dr. Peter Kraus (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), Prof. dr. Daniël Vanmaekelbergh (Utrecht University, QuMat), Dr. Gorben Pijlman (Wageningen University) are guests at the Nobel Lectures organized by TNW and Studium Generale to talk about the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine.
Dr. Peter Kraus (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) explains the Nobel Prize for Physics 2023 won by Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier for their experiments, who have given humanity new tools for exploring the world of electrons inside atoms and molecules. The laureates have demonstrated a way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy.
Prof. dr. Daniël Vanmaekelbergh (Utrecht University) elucidates the Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2023 won by Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for their discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. These smallest components of nanotechnology now spread their light from televisions and LED lamps, and can also guide surgeons when they remove tumour tissue, among many other things.
Dr. Gorben Pijlman (Wageningen University) explains the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2023 won by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. The laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times. Read more.
Moderator: prof dr ir Gertjan Koster (TNW).