Nobel Laureate Takaaki Kajita to Discuss the Mysteries of the Universe in Pohang

– APCTP to Host 30th Anniversary Special Lecture Series Featuring a Public Lecture and Research Symposium –

The Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) is hosting the “APCTP 30th Anniversary Special Lecture Series” from July 15 to 16, featuring internationally renowned scholar and 2015 Nobel Laureate in Physics Takaaki Kajita.

The two-day series consists of a public lecture and a research symposium. Kajita’s public lecture takes place at 3:00 p.m. on July 15 in the International Conference Hall on the first floor of the POSCO International Center at POSTECH. The lecture is held in connection with the 26th Science in City Hall, APCTP’s flagship public science outreach program.

※ Venue: First Floor, POSCO International Center, 260-1 Jigok-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do

On July 15, Kajita delivers a public lecture titled “Unveiling the secrets of the Universe with Neutrinos and Gravitational Waves.” Focusing on neutrino and gravitational-wave research, the lecture explores humanity’s efforts to uncover the fundamental mysteries of the universe and the significance of scientific discovery. Kajita also shares his experiences and journey as a researcher, offering students, members of the public, and researchers interested in basic science an opportunity to better understand the value and potential of theoretical physics.

Kajita currently serves as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Tokyo and its Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR). His research on neutrino oscillations made a decisive contribution to establishing that neutrinos have mass, a discovery widely regarded as a major turning point in modern particle physics and our understanding of the universe.

The symposium on July 16 begins with opening remarks by Misao Sasaki, President of APCTP. Kajita then delivers a special lecture for global researchers titled “Neutrino and Gravitational Research in Kamioka.”

Hyung Mok Lee, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University and a leading figure in gravitational-wave research in Korea through the Korean Gravitational-Wave Group (KGWG), presents “Achievements and Advances in Gravitational-Wave Research in Korea Over the Past Two Decades.” Global researchers also present their latest findings in fields including neutrino physics, biophysics, cosmology, quantum matter, and statistical physics.

Symposium speakers include Byung-Soo Yang of Chonnam National University (CPNR), Gleb Oshanin of CNRS in France, Yingli Zhang of Tongji University in Shanghai, Patricio Salgado-Rebolledo of APCTP, and Sergei Nechaev of CNRS in France.

Science in City Hall is a flagship public science outreach program hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Pohang City and organized by APCTP. Through lectures by distinguished scholars from Korea and abroad, the program provides a forum for sharing the latest scientific research and the personal journeys of scientists. A total of 25 events were held between 2008 and 2025, offering students and members of the public interested in science opportunities to explore developments in basic science and the significance of scientific thinking.

“This special lecture series marking APCTP’s 30th anniversary provides a meaningful opportunity for researchers, students, and members of the public to learn about the journey of a world-renowned scientist and reflect on the significance of scientific discovery,” says Misao Sasaki, President of APCTP. “Just as neutrino research has broadened humanity’s view of the universe, we hope this event inspires participants to see basic science as a gateway to even greater questions and possibilities.”

Established in 1996 on the occasion of the APEC meeting, APCTP is Korea’s only international center for theoretical physics. Based at POSTECH in Pohang, the Center works with 20 Member Countries/Regions and 39 Partner Institutes across the Asia-Pacific region.

With continued support from the Korean government’s Science and Technology Promotion Fund and Lottery Fund, APCTP has attracted and trained more than 300 outstanding early-career scientists as resident researchers. Through collaborative research and academic exchange in theoretical physics, the Center contributes to strengthening Korea’s capabilities in basic science. APCTP also promotes the public value of basic science through public lectures, participatory science festivals, and science outreach programs for young people.