International , October 3 : Nobel Prize-winning physicist Konstantin Novoselov recently shared his views on the latest advances in graphene technology, China’s scientific and technological innovation, the role of artificial intelligence, and international scientific cooperation, among other topics, in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing.

Konstantin Novoselov, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010, is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking research on isolating graphene from graphite. He said graphene technology is now entering a “second revolution” phase. While its conventional applications have largely been confined to energy, electronics and composite materials, its use is now expanding into optoelectronics and long-distance communications technologies. Research on graphene is also advancing rapidly in biology and medicine.

Speaking about the industrialization of graphene in China, Novoselov said the country’s major advantages include its capacity to supply raw materials and its large pool of skilled workers. One of the key reasons graphene technology can be developed relatively easily in China, he noted, is the country’s well-established and comprehensive supply system. In his view, a new material is not a complete solution in itself; it must somehow be integrated into a supply chain, and China has already established that connection.

On China’s science- and technology-driven development, Novoselov said a significant shift in the country’s development trajectory took place during the 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans. He described the emphasis placed on science and technology in the 13th Five-Year Plan as particularly significant. Drawing on his many years of working with Chinese researchers, he said he was pleased to have witnessed how the implementation of these policies had translated into tangible technological achievements. From artificial intelligence to space technology, China has demonstrated very strong technological capabilities, he said. He particularly identified battery technology as one of the world’s leading fields, while noting that China is also at the forefront of the global electric vehicle industry.

Regarding the role of artificial intelligence in scientific research, Novoselov said human intuition would remain central to scientific discovery and creative thinking. He described AI as an extremely powerful tool that has already brought revolutionary changes to several fields of science. However, he believes that the fundamental path of creative exploration should continue to be guided by humans.

Addressing the risks of excessive reliance on artificial intelligence, he said scientists would continue to use new tools and technologies, but it was essential to exercise caution. Experienced scientists, he stressed, must be able to distinguish between truth and falsehood and identify what constitutes genuine scientific findings and what may be an AI-generated “illusion.”

Novoselov also expressed concern about the impact of geopolitical developments on international scientific cooperation. He said he was deeply saddened that many international collaborations were being stalled for geopolitical reasons. Scientific progress, in his view, can never be separated from international cooperation. He therefore expressed his sincere hope that scientists from different countries would continue to collaborate in the future.

Reflecting on his long experience of visiting and working in China, Novoselov said the country was one where different cultures had developed side by side, with considerable diversity among its provinces. In research, he said, every visit to a new institute or organization brought discoveries of new “hidden gems” and remarkable scientific work. He has many Chinese friends, some of whom were once his students, whom he described as hardworking, honest and dedicated to their work. He said it was truly rewarding to visit their laboratories today and see the research they are conducting.

Drawing on his own experience of receiving the Nobel Prize at the age of 36, Novoselov advised young people to remain true to themselves and hold on to their core goals and motivations. He said people could easily be influenced by various forms of publicity and prevailing trends, potentially causing them to lose sight of their own path. The fundamental purpose of pursuing science, he noted, is to find joy in the process. In his view, that joy is the most valuable thing.

If given the opportunity to create a new material for the benefit of humanity in the future, Novoselov said he would like to develop a material that behaves, in some way, like a living system. He believes that creating such a material could enable humanity to take another step forward in gaining a deeper understanding of living systems.

Source: Shishir, Alim, Akash, China Media Group.