World-Renowned Physicist Sidney Robert Nagel of University of Chicago to Deliver Distinguished Lecture at DGIST

Lecture on "Natural Laws Hidden in Coffee Stains"

DGIST (President Lee Keonwoo) will host the 31st DGIST Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) on May 12 at DGIST in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, inviting world-renowned physicist Professor Sidney Robert Nagel of the University of Chicago as the guest speaker.

Professor Nagel currently serves as the Stein-Freiler Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago and is a leading authority in the field of soft matter physics. He has discovered new physical laws in everyday substances and phenomena such as glass, coffee stains, and water droplets. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the highest research achievement medal by the American Physical Society (APS) in 2023, earning high praise within the academic community.

This lecture, under the theme "Patterns and Structure in Nature," will feature Professor Nagel introducing the physical laws and structural principles of natural phenomena hidden within familiar materials such as sand, water, and coffee grounds.

In particular, this event is expected to provide both professional researchers and members of the general public interested in science with an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on patterns and structures in nature, as Professor Nagel explains the often challenging concepts of physics through accessible, everyday examples.

DGIST President Lee Keonwoo remarked, "It is highly meaningful to welcome Professor Nagel, a world-renowned scholar who has conveyed the wonders of fundamental science to the public, to DGIST," adding, "I hope this lecture will broaden the perspectives of DGIST members toward science and offer a valuable occasion to appreciate the joy of exploring natural phenomena."

Meanwhile, DGIST's DLS is a regular lecture program designed to invite top scholars from various fields both in Korea and abroad, enabling DGIST members and local researchers to share global research trends and establish academic networks. DGIST expects that this lecture will further promote academic exchange in physics and fundamental science, as well as contribute to the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent and the strengthening of basic science research competitiveness.