The World's Top Quantum Physics Award Winner from Korea Emerges

Professor Myung-Sik Kim of Imperial College London Department of Physics Awarded Humboldt Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "Quantum computers are a new technology that breaks the limits faced by science and technology."

Professor Myung-Sik Kim of Imperial College London received the Humboldt Award, given to the world's top quantum physicists.

The German Humboldt Foundation announced on the 20th that Professor Kim was awarded the 2021 Humboldt Award, specifically the Karl Friedrich von Siemens Award. The prize money is 65,000 euros (87 million KRW). The Humboldt Foundation selects scholars from various fields such as humanities and sciences outside Germany who have been internationally recognized for their research achievements and awards the Humboldt Award. Professor Kim, who graduated from Sogang University and studied quantum physics at Imperial College, was appointed as a professor at his alma mater in 1990 and has been established at Queen's University in the UK since 2000. His father is Kim Sun-hong, former chairman of Kia Motors.

Regarding his interest in quantum computers, Professor Kim said, "As the global economy continues to grow and humanity enjoys a prosperous life while seeking ways to harm nature less, new technologies are needed, and quantum computers are among the candidates." He explained, "Even if we switch to electric vehicles to prevent climate change, there are issues such as disposal of used batteries, and even with vegetarianism, a large amount of carbon is emitted when producing nitrogen fertilizer. If quantum computers can understand the fundamental properties of materials, there is hope to find answers to why batteries degrade and why the fertilizer industry causes pollution, and to discover ways to use them effectively."

The problem is that for quantum computers to solve such issues, every single electron and photon must be precisely controlled, and silicon chips must be made very delicately. New ideas and imagination are also required for software and algorithm development. He said, "It is expected that unimaginable byproducts will emerge during this process," adding, "This tremendous challenge excites many researchers."

Professor Kim emphasized, "The bigger the dream, the more new technologies and products will emerge. Fundamentally, there is no reason why quantum computers cannot be made, and if realized, the added value will be beyond imagination."

He said, "For companies to invest in the quantum business, the epitome of 'next-generation technology,' is a challenge to possess and lead with the world's best technology," and added, "It is definitely valuable for companies that value excellent talents dreaming of future technologies."

Regarding Korea's quantum computer research, Professor Kim advised, "An environment is needed to help curious and pioneering excellent talents receive good education and grow, not only for quantum computers but for the overall advancement of science." He added, "If you are a university student, you should care about your grades, but above all, it is a time to dream big. I often regret not diving into bigger problems when I was young."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.