Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Hosts Special Lecture by Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureate Craig Mello

- World-renowned scientist who revolutionized gene function research through groundbreaking discoveries in RNA interference

- Lecture held at the University Theater on September 18 … Attended by approximately 700 university members, local university students, and high school students

Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) hosted a special lecture by Professor Craig C. Mello, the 2006 Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine, on September 18 to commemorate the university’s 80th anniversary.

The lecture was held in conjunction with Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026, scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 20 and jointly organized by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and Nobel Prize Outreach, an organization affiliated with the Nobel Foundation in Sweden.

Professor Craig C. Mello delivered the lecture that afternoon at Pukyong National University’s University Theater to an audience of approximately 700 participants, including university faculty, staff, and students, as well as students from nearby universities and high schools.

Professor Craig C. Mello earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Brown University in the United States in 1982 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1990. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 1990 to 1994 and has served as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School since 1995. He was also an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 2000 to 2024.

He was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, jointly with Dr. Andrew Fire, for their discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a groundbreaking achievement that revealed a key mechanism regulating gene expression.

During his special lecture titled “RNAi: A Molecular Spark in an Information Inferno,” Professor Mello provided a detailed account of his research journey following the discovery of RNAi.

While studying the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with Dr. Andrew Fire, Professor Mello discovered that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) could block the activity of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. This process prevents certain genetic information from being translated into proteins, effectively “silencing” or inactivating the corresponding genes. Their research demonstrated that RNA interference plays a crucial role in regulating gene activity within the genome.

Professor Mello particularly emphasized intellectual curiosity as an essential quality for scientists. He said, “Scientists must constantly nurture their curiosity. They should pursue their curiosity with confidence in themselves. Although failure may occur repeatedly, it is important to believe that by continuing to take on challenges, they can eventually find answers and solve problems.”

Regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Professor Mello said, “Just because AI provides an answer does not necessarily mean it is the correct one. It is merely a starting point for the next question.” He added, “AI is an extremely powerful tool that enables scientists to rapidly analyze vast amounts of data, identify details that humans might overlook, and ask better questions. When used appropriately, it will accelerate scientific progress.”

He further advised, “Science is about questioning. It is natural to be wrong, and there may be periods of uncertainty. We may not know how long it will take to achieve a breakthrough. Nevertheless, we must continually repeat the process of learning from failures, experiencing small successes, and taking on new challenges.”

Meanwhile, Pukyong National University, a comprehensive national university specializing in marine and fisheries sciences, has gained recognition for its research capabilities in the year of its 80th anniversary, ranking in five subject areas, including Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Building on this academic foundation, the university organized the Nobel laureate’s lecture to provide an open platform for academic exchange, bringing together members of the university and the wider community with a world-renowned scholar. <Pukyong Today>