- Calls for intensified investment in scientific research, particularly in nuclear fusion
- Discussions on more realistic and efficient solutions rooted in a precise understanding of nature’s mechanisms and limitations
- Emphasis on the need for deeper research in areas such as green hydrogen
The New Energy Forum, held as part of the World Scientists Summit, which launched today alongside the World Governments Summit 2026, highlighted the challenges facing the world in its search for realistic solutions to climate change.
The forum emphasized the importance of investing in scientific research to achieve more reliable energy sources that align with development needs and help save the planet from the consequences of global warming.
The World Scientists Summit is regarded as the largest global gathering of its kind, bringing together over three days more than 100 scientists and participants, including Nobel Prize laureates and recipients of other prestigious international scientific awards, as well as leaders of research institutions.
This takes place alongside the World Governments Summit 2026, scheduled to be held from February 3 to 5, with February 3 designated as a joint day bringing together scientists with heads of state, governments, ministers, and leaders of international organizations and institutions participating in the summit.
Professor Andre Geim, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2010) and Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Manchester, delivered a critical reading of the prevailing discourse on climate and energy.
He noted that advanced scientific technologies, such as graphene, are already being used in electric vehicle batteries and have contributed to improved efficiency.
Geim stressed that renewable energy sources are essential, but merely “buy time” rather than address the root causes of the problem, calling for intensified investment in scientific research, particularly in nuclear fusion.
Realistic Solutions
For his part, Professor Hartmut Michel, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry (1988) and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics, emphasized that photosynthesis forms the foundation of life on Earth.
However, he noted that it remains a process with limited efficiency when it comes to converting solar energy into usable energy on a large scale.
Michel stressed that progress toward more realistic and efficient energy solutions must begin with a precise understanding of nature’s mechanisms and limitations, rather than assuming they can be overcome.
Meanwhile, Professor Marc Fontecave, recipient of the Eni Award 2024 and Chair Professor of Chemistry of Biological Processes, stated:
“The energy transition is one of the most urgent challenges, but it is a complex path and does not offer magical solutions.”
He explained that the transition to a world less dependent on fossil fuels relies on interconnected pathways, including reducing energy demand, increasing electrification, and identifying alternative carbon sources.
He emphasized the need for deeper research in areas such as green hydrogen, battery development, and the production of sustainable aviation fuels.
Methodological Scrutiny
Professor David Baulcombe, recipient of the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (2008) and Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Cambridge, presented an example from his genetics research that led to the discovery of a natural immune mechanism in plants based on small RNA molecules, findings that can be leveraged in human health.
In contrast, Professor John Clauser, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2022), delivered a critical intervention calling for broader methodological scrutiny of what is commonly referred to as “global warming” and its worldwide impacts.
He addressed the issue of extreme weather events, pointing to studies which, he argued, did not demonstrate a confirmed increase in their frequency when data were reanalyzed over time.
Clauser also criticized reliance on the concept of Earth’s energy imbalance as a primary metric for global warming, highlighting significant technical challenges in accurately measuring this indicator—whether through satellite observations or surface measurements—particularly given the limited data available for the oceans, which cover approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface.
Supporting Young Innovators
The forum also featured a panel discussion with the participation of Dr. Firat Güder, recognized by the International Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 10 Young Persons in the World for 2023 and Professor of Intelligent Interfaces at Imperial College London; Dr. Dmitry Pankratov, Marine Industry Director at Siemens Digital Industries Software; Dr. Avinash Mangla Basavana, recipient of the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Award (2020); and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Advanced Science and Technology.
Participants discussed several challenges related to empowering young people and engaging them in scientific and technological innovation pathways, underscoring the vital role of young leaders in transforming knowledge into tangible societal impact.
They also addressed the challenges of digital transformation in vital industrial sectors, particularly the maritime sector, focusing on the role of digital modeling and intelligent technologies in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The session highlighted the technical and research challenges facing young innovators, especially those related to accelerating the transfer of innovation from laboratory to market, and building practical, scalable solutions in sustainability, energy, and advanced technology.
