Around 30 world-leading scientists, thinkers and opinion leaders, including five Nobel laureates, gathered in Seoul for an international forum on ageing. 


Under the theme of “The Age to Come,” the Nobel Prize Dialogue kicked off its three-day run at Seoul’s COEX Convention and Exhibition Center on Monday.

Packed with lectures and panel discussions on the issue of human ageing, a perennial question for scientists and a common social problem in many developed countries, the event is part of the annual Nobel Week Dialogue organized by Nobel Media and Nobel Center Foundation. The main one-day program is slated for Dec. 9 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Seoul forum is being held in partnership with Korean Academy of Science and Technology.

“Nobel Prize Dialogue is one of the pillars of our global outreach and aims to stimulate interest in science, literature and peace in line with Alfred Nobel’s vision and legacy for the greatest benefit of mankind,” said Mattias Fyrenius, CEO of Nobel Media.

The five Nobel laureates in Seoul to offer their insights are Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate in chemistry, Finn Kydland in economics, Richard Roberts in physiology, Serge Haroche in physics and Robert Huber in chemistry.

Lee Myung-chul, president of the KAST, said the forum “will encourage scholars to exchange their thoughts on global issues affecting all humanity and states and inspire Koreans about the future and innovation.“

Monday’s forum is expected to raise issues of how AI can help optimize geriatrics as well as ways to slow the ageing process.

Scientists and panels cover questions such as: “How can AI help improve the lives of older people?“ and ”What role will the medical and food industries play in the ageing society?“

The forum will also cover topics including the health care industry and new generations under the theme of "Science and Technology in Health Care" and "Next Revolution for Better Living" until Nov. 1.

By Bak Se-hwan (sh@heraldcorp.com)