POSTECH’s “40th Anniversary Lecture Series” celebrates its third lecture with world-renowned author Bernard Werber
"For humanity to build a better future, the role of scientists is essential."
World-renowned bestselling author Bernard Werber took the stage for POSTECH's special lecture series commemorating its 40th anniversary, the "POSTECH 40th Anniversary Lecture Series." Held under the theme "How a Writer Answers the Questions Science Has Not Yet Answered," the lecture shed light on Werber's creative journey, in which he has crossed genres by drawing on both scientific knowledge and imagination throughout his body of work.
POSTECH, a university specializing in science and engineering, had a distinct rationale for inviting the novelist to speak. Believing that both science and literature ultimately pose the essential questions that humanity must ask, POSTECH has long nurtured scientific imagination through initiatives such as its annual "SF Day" and Korea's only science fiction writing contest for undergraduate and graduate students in science and engineering.
In his lecture, Bernard Werber explored how, as a writer, he has approached uncharted territories that science has yet to fully explain — such as death and the afterlife, free will, and the brain and consciousness — through a spirituality-based lens. Speaking to the series' overarching theme of "Pathfinder," Werber shared how the many failures and hardships he faced in life ultimately enabled his success as a writer, and encouraged the audience not to fear challenges but to chart their own paths in life. He also addressed the crises currently facing the international community, urging future scientists to join forces in building a better world.
Prior to the lecture, a book talk session was held to celebrate the release of his new novel, The Waltz of Souls (La Valse des âmes). The panel featured Choyeop Kim, a leading Korean science fiction author and Department Honors Professor of the Division of Humanities & Social Sciences at POSTECH, along with Dong-Seon Chang, a neuroscientist and CEO of the Future Exploration Community. Professor Jung-ah Woo, Head of the Division of Humanities & Social Sciences at POSTECH, moderated the discussion, offering an in-depth look into Werber’s literary world. Afterward, a signing session was held at the Tae-Joon Park Digital Library, offering the citizens of Pohang a meaningful opportunity to engage closely with the world-renowned author.
Jung-ah Woo, Head of the Division of Humanities & Social Sciences at POSTECH, who moderated the lecture, said, "POSTECH, a research-focused university, invited a science fiction author because we believe that science and literature are, in the end, directed at the same questions." She added, "I hope this lecture, book talk, and signing session became a meaningful occasion for connection and dialogue, not only among our university community but also with the Pohang community."