A Message from Honorary Professor and 2016 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine Yoshinori Ohsumi

Science is a human activity that is built on a body of knowledge obtained over many generations. Therefore, it is impossible to separate scientists from the age in which they live. I am an example of this, having drawn inspiration from the scientific developments of my time and my own personal experiences to undertake my work on autophagy in yeast. While our understanding of the natural world continues to expand at a rapid pace, many mysteries remain unsolved. Many answers are in fact only the start of new questions. Rather than being captivated by the products of science and technology, I believe that the philosophy and broad perspective of science are more important than ever for the future of humanity.
My message for today's young people is to always keep an eye on the future. To perceive great authority before you merely indicates academic stagnation. Progress is realized by preparing young people to challenge accepted norms and surpass their predecessors. Do not be intimidated by others, and have the courage to embrace and develop your interests without being distracted by the relentless volume of information that is characteristic of our age. Make sure you live a life you are happy with, and find your own way with passion and resilience.