"Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly accelerates research speed, but it still has limitations in generating entirely new and original research concepts. The time saved by AI should be utilized to develop one's own innovative ideas and explore new research fields."
Last year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry recipient, Professor Kitagawa Susumu of Kyoto University, made these remarks after delivering a keynote speech at the '2026 Korean Industrial Chemistry Society Fall Conference' held at BEXCO in Busan on October 29.
He noted, "AI is very useful for accelerating existing research activities," advising researchers to reduce the time spent on simple investigations and repetitive tasks with AI and to dedicate that time to new research.
Professor Kitagawa illustrated the changing research environment through his own experiences. He recalled, "When I was a researcher in my 30s, it could take about three days to find relevant literature in the library to review a single idea. Now, using AI, such research can be completed in just a few minutes."
He also pointed out that the time required to write simple reports has significantly decreased. However, he emphasized that formal academic papers must undergo thorough verification of facts and research content, distinguishing them from general reports. He cautioned against the attitude of accepting AI-generated results unconditionally, which he considers undesirable from the perspective of his research philosophy, which emphasizes 'luck, dullness, and roots.'
Professor Kitagawa identified luck, dullness, and roots as essential attitudes for pioneering new research fields. He stated, "Luck comes to those who are prepared," advising that one should engage with diverse individuals and read extensively to accumulate various thoughts. He added, "The concepts and knowledge accumulated in this way can connect at some point, leading to new ideas."
Regarding dullness, he explained, "Smart individuals can immediately understand and accept new theories, but to pioneer new research fields, one must question whether existing theories are truly correct." He described roots as the perseverance to explore a research topic thoroughly without easily giving up.
His own research began with what seemed to be a useless study. At Kinki University in Japan, he researched coordination chemistry, which was initially deemed not practically beneficial. However, as he continued his research, he became interested in the network structures formed by the connection of metals and organic molecules.
Professor Kitagawa recounted, "While analyzing crystal structures with students, one student discovered that there were holes within the structure. This became a crucial turning point leading to research on porous structures and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)." He noted that he continues to be mindful of the two concepts of 'aggregation,' where molecules come together to form structures, and 'space' within those structures in his research.
On the topic of research funding, he argued for a distinction between basic research and focused research. Professor Kitagawa emphasized, "In basic research, it is crucial to guarantee researchers the freedom to generate new concepts and theories." He criticized the practice of demanding short-term results or frequent progress reports for all research as undesirable.
He added, "Basic research does not necessarily require massive funding from the outset. When significant results emerge from basic research, there should be a system in place to quickly identify and elevate these findings into focused research for concentrated investment."
He also highlighted the need for scientific and technological cooperation between South Korea and Japan. Professor Kitagawa remarked, "Both Korea and Japan lack natural resources, so collaboration in the field of science and technology is essential." He stressed the importance of developing new technologies that can reduce resource dependency and called for increased research exchanges and collaborative programs supported at the government level.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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