It was a privilege for myself and my students to engage in a stimulating discussion with Prof. Michael Kosterlitz, the esteemed 2016 Physics Nobel Laureate. During our interaction, we have covered various topics pertinent to scientific research and academic pursuits.
Prof. Kosterlitz emphasized the importance of extracting major factors in a research project and distinguishing them to simplify models. He stressed the need to identify irrelevant features and justify their exclusion to streamline the model. Additionally, he suggested employing tricks in the field to reduce the number of parameters and confining the problem with constraints to derive theories that work within those limitations.
Regarding the impact factors of journals, Prof. Kosterlitz expressed indifference, noting the prevalence of subpar articles even in reputed journals. He questioned the necessity of paying too much attention to impact factors, highlighting that during his youth, the term had not even emerged.
Discussing the real impact of research results and publications, Prof. Kosterlitz noted that a significant portion of articles may not yield notable findings. He emphasized that impactful research may take years to be recognized or widely applied, rendering impact factor assessments less meaningful. Instead, he prioritized the production of innovative content.
Regarding AI and numerical software, Prof. Kosterlitz cautioned against overreliance on brute force calculation methods, emphasizing the importance of model simplification. He advocated for identifying and ignoring irrelevant factors and exploring parameter transformations to simplify complex calculations, such as using spins to streamline atom calculations.
Prof. Kosterlitz underscored the importance of understanding and modeling fundamental physical and chemical principles in research projects, regardless of experimental or theoretical projects. He emphasized that regardless of model complexity, maintaining an understanding of the underlying theory facilitates finding transformations and simplifications.
In discussing research direction, Prof. Kosterlitz revealed a preference for curiosity-driven research over application-driven endeavors. He highlighted his Nobel Prize-winning paper as an example of a problem approached purely as an intellectual challenge.
Finally, Prof. Kosterlitz emphasized the importance of passing down scientific training values from generation to generation. He stressed the need for intergenerational communication to share strengths and impart knowledge to younger researchers.
Overall, the discussion with Prof. Kosterlitz provided valuable insights into various aspects of scientific research and scholarly pursuits. His wisdom and expertise served as a source of inspiration for myself and my students, reinforcing our commitment to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
