The second “Tang Prize Youth Symposium” of 2024 took place this morning (October 1st) at National Hsinchu Senior High School. Professor Omar M. Yaghi, recipient of the 2024 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, had an engaging conversation with over 230 high school students. Professor Yaghi, who founded the Berkeley Global Science Institute at the University of California and has developed unique mentoring programs implemented in research centers he established in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Mexico, and Jordan, delivered a lecture titled “Water at Dawn: A Journey from Thirst to Thought.” He shared his personal experiences of transforming scarcity into abundance and encouraged students to identify their passions, embrace risks, and forge their own paths. This marked Professor Yaghi’s first-ever lecture addressed to high school students. His love for science, perseverance, and genuine life story deeply inspired the students, sparking enthusiastic participation and numerous questions during the Q&A session.

In her opening remarks, Principal Chen-Hsiang Guo of National Hsinchu Senior High School welcomed Professor Omar Yaghi. She praised his groundbreaking, Tang Prize-winning research on “water harvesting from desert air,” which has inspired future generations of scientists and innovators. “His research achievements embody the spirit of innovation and perseverance we strive to instill in our students,” Principal Guo remarked. “His work reminds us that scientific exploration continually pushes the boundaries of human potential, particularly in addressing critical challenges like water scarcity.” She also expressed gratitude to the Tang Prize Foundation for collaborating with the school to nurture the next generation of global leaders, innovators, and citizens.

Professor Yaghi began his presentation with a photo of himself in the desert. He was born into a refugee family in Amman, Jordan, where water was so precious that it was supplied only once every two weeks. He grew up in a world where daily life was a struggle for survival. As a young boy, he was responsible for fetching water for his large family. One day, he found a book in a library that ignited his enduring passion for chemistry. He was captivated by the beautiful molecular structures within its pages. This passion guided him through numerous challenges, leading him from the barren desert to the pinnacle of scientific achievement, inspiring the theme of his lecture.

Through a visually engaging presentation, Professor Yaghi shared his life story, interwoven with animations and videos illustrating the research process and practical applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). He shared valuable lessons learned throughout his journey, such as “remarkable things often come from unremarkable beginnings.” He also encouraged students with his personal philosophy: “If ‘it doesn’t work,’ it’s because you didn’t make it work.” Professor Yaghi encouraged students to embrace a positive outlook, transcend environmental limitations, and see adversity as a catalyst for innovation.

Following the lecture, four student representatives from National Hsinchu Senior High School and National Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School engaged with Professor Yaghi in a lively Q&A session. Their questions ranged from how he adapted to studying in the US at the age of 15 to the timeline for widespread application of MOF water harvesters. They also inquired about essential skills for future generations and the global impact of reticular chemistry. The students’ insightful questions prompted Professor Yaghi to share his personal journey candidly. He reflected on his younger self, describing a sense of isolation and a tendency to withdraw into his own world until he discovered the wonders of science. This “larger world,” as he called it, offered an escape from poverty and a path to self-transformation. Professor Yaghi admitted that his initial motivation for pursuing chemistry stemmed from pure fascination and enjoyment rather than a desire to solve world problems. He encouraged students to follow their own passions, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory. He also acknowledged the role of societal support in his success, highlighting a sense of obligation to contribute that emerged after his discovery of MOFs.

Drawing from his own experiences, he encouraged students to identify their passions and delve deep into learning and understanding. He emphasized that mastering one field can open doors to mastering others. By immersing ourselves in learning, we cultivate the capacity to synthesize insights from various disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of the world. Professor Yaghi also stressed the importance of creating a keen sense of discernment, especially in an age flooded with misinformation. He urged students to recognize that true ability lies not in chasing falsehoods for financial gain, but in seeking truth to benefit oneself and society. This requires wisdom and a commitment to verifying information and thinking critically. He also highlighted the importance of grasping the essence of problems—a crucial skill for future generations navigating an increasingly complex world.