Commentary
Science is People
Alan MacDiarmid
Nobel Laureate, Chemistry 2000
James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair in Science and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas
November 7, 2005
Comments at the Dedication of the “Alan MacDiarmid Energy Research Laboratory”
of the Chonnam National University, Gwangju City, Korea
Our “world was formerly limited to relatively small regions where we lived and worked. “Our world is becoming smaller.” Our world today is now potentially the whole world - an international/educational/cultural organization of people where we can all benefit from each other - learning from each other and teaching each other.
I firstly want to congratulate President Kang and other perceptive leaders of Chonnam University, Gwangju City and the scientific community, Dean Lee and Professor Yang as well as Dr. Kim, Dr. Hong, Directors of Centers for Korean Hydrogen Storage, Fuel Cell Programs and the delegates from the University of Texas at Dallas for their farsighted wisdom in looking to establish an energy institute here at Chonnam National University. I want to stress how greatly disappointed I am that I cannot be here with you in person on the very important occasion involving the dedication of this “Alan MacDiarmid Energy Research Laboratory”.
We at the University of Texas at Dallas look forward to the time when these, as well as other far-sighted scholars, can visit us - hopefully soon - at our University and cement still further the working relationship which we have already established between our two growing universities.
Unfortunately, because of my health, my doctors would not permit me to do extremely long-distance traveling. Although my body is not here with you on this occasion, my spirit and thoughts are very much with you as we celebrate together this very important event. However, I sincerely hope that my doctors will permit me to visit in person by this time next year.
As we all know, energy is the greatest problem (or let me say “challenge”) facing not only Korea but indeed every country in the whole world today. We cannot keep on using carbonaceous fuels - petroleum, coal, gas - in the future. Certainly we will soon run out of petroleum - but use of carbon-containing energy sources will contribute to an increase in carbon dioxide content of our atmosphere - leading to global warming which will drastically affect our climate, food supply, water supply, various sea levels with flooding in low-lying areas.
Governments, scientists, engineers and industry leaders as well as citizens of countries of today and tomorrow must, and undoubtedly will, turn their scientific capabilities, financial resources with awareness of society needs to solve the problem by a variety of renewable, nonpolluting different ways which each country will find best in view of its own climate and economic conditions. This involves a very interdisciplinary approach, including chemistry, physics, electrochemistry, biosciences, engineering, electronics, etc. This may involve new possibilities of biomass fuel, such as biogas, bioalcohol, biodiesel; also wind power, tide power, solar power, fuel cells, hydrogen as a fuel, photo electrolysis of water, hydroelectric power, and the use of nanotechnology techniques.
I, myself, am particularly attracted to biodiesel and bioalcohol and their use in fuel cells. We will see greater emphasis in the future in the use of cellulosic materials that can be converted to substances which can be fermented to produce bioalcohol. The USA Department of Energy has recently published a paper which concludes: “The ability to use the full range of cellulosic material - from grasses or trees to wastepaper - would enable ethanol production to meet the entire U.S. demand for gasoline.”
Such biomass energy programs would also be of enormous help to farmers in growing new types of crops which could be grown profitably in soils and climates which are presently not good for agriculture. We need a “crash” program, analogous to the “crash” program to put a man in space - very expensive - but not as expensive as waiting and doing nothing. Which country is going to be the world leader and which country a follower in developing economically feasible, renewable, nonpolluting energy?
If we have a plentiful supply ofrenewable energy, we can then produce clean, drinkable water by distillation of sea-water, etc. If we have plenty of water, we can grow crops in many previously non-useable barren lands. With plenty of energy, water and food from renewable sources we can eliminate many of the world’s problems of today and future such as war, terrorism, hunger, poverty, poor education, poor health, and other global needs.
But - what do we need to do to accomplish all this?
As a person originally from New Zealand also a small country, to learn Korea success, I have visited Korea several times and have learned much about Korea. I have learned that Korea is one of the leading countries in the world in technology. But, Korea is deficient in mineral resources and petroleum resources. Korea has four “raw materials”: air, water, sand (for silicon chips) and people. What is the reason Korea is so far ahead of other countries that also do not have good mineral and energy resources? All countries have these same four “raw materials”! It is obviously “people”. “Science is People”. The Korean culture, social system and education must be the factor that makes the difference. Therefore, Korea can lead the world in becoming one of the world leaders in renewable, nonpolluting energy production.
I personally am looking forward to our working together in a constructive way in the future - especially in establishing a closer working relationship between our two great universities with University leadership as well as Government leadership and support - a university relationship which is rapidly increasing between Chonnam National University and the University of Texas at Dallas.
Our futures look bright together and I am most grateful at having the opportunity of being a part of these interactions. I am with you today in spirit - I hope - in a few months, this will be “in person” as well as “in spirit”.
