Celebrating a Century: Torsten’s 100th with a Night of Nobel Minds and Lively Debates

The Nobel Prize Museum doors swung open at 17:30, welcoming in a mix of Torsten’s colleagues and friends and admirers, the Nobel Foundation and Young Academy of Sweden representatives, alongside some eager students and Museum visitors.

Kicking things off were Anna Sjöström Douagi, the acting CEO of the Nobel Foundation and YAS honorary member, and Sofia Lodén, who chairs the Young Academy of Sweden and is an associate professor of French at Stockholm University. Their spirited welcome prepped the crowd for the festivities and meaningful discussions on how researchers shape our future.

Saul Perlmutter, Nobel laureate in Physics and professor at UC Berkeley, took the stage and shared his experience of how science in so many ways works as a force for collaboration and border crossing. He was followed by Åsa Wikforss, professor of philosophy at Stockholm University and member of the Academies Committee of Human Rights. Åsa underlined the severity of threats and oppression many researchers face, also in democratic societies. Saul and Åsa set the stage for a dynamic panel discussion, steered by Sigrid Schottenius Cullhed, Young Academy of Sweden member and associate professor in literary studies at Uppsala University.

The panel, featuring distinguished thinkers like Saul Perlmutter and Åsa Wikforss alongside Mia Liinason and Ellis Rubinstein, tackled the theme: ”What is the scientist’s responsibility for the world’s development?” The discussion was a deep dive into the ethical responsibilities of scientists and the impact of research on societal progress. Ellis expressed pride in the outreach work that the New York Academy of Sciences does in schools in underprivileged areas. Mia said she finds hope among her PhD:s and students.

The evening then took a festive turn as the celebration shifted to honour Torsten’s 100 years, highlighted by tributes from Thomas Perlmann of the Nobel Assembly, Sofia Lodén for the Young Academy of Sweden, and Anna Sjöström Douagi for the Nobel Foundation. Their reflections on Torsten’s legacy added a personal insight, celebrating his lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries in science and fostering collaboration and inclusion on an unforeseen scale. Anna presented another accolade to Torsten, a medal named “You are the best”. The hosts then encouraged the audience to join them in singing Ja må han leva (Happy Birthday). 

The event wrapped up with a reception, where conversations flowed freely, echoing the themes of the night and beyond. It was a fitting end to an event acknowledging Torsten, the notoriously forward-looking centennial, inspiring the next generation of thinkers.

A bit more than a birthday party, we would like to offer that the evening provided a snapshot of a community driven by curiosity and dedication, eager to explore how their work can contribute to a better world. A clear signal that the future of science is in passionate, capable hands.