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The fifth lecture of Academia Sinica’s TAIWAN BRIDGES Program welcomed Dr. Sir Richard J. Roberts, recipient of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, who delivered a lecture entitled “Why You Should Love GMOs?” Drawing on decades of engagement with the debate surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Sir Richard traced the origins of his advocacy and outlined the actions he has taken over the years, urging the public to evaluate genetically modified crops through the lens of scientific evidence rather than fear or misinformation.

In his opening remarks, James C. Liao, President of Academia Sinica, observed that Sir Richard’s influence extends well beyond his landmark scientific discoveries to a thoughtful engagement with the very nature of scientific inquiry. Referring to Sir Richard’s widely read essay, “Ten Simple Rules to Win a Nobel Prize,” President Liao underscored its central insight: that transformative breakthroughs and enduring societal impact are born not from the pursuit of accolades, but from curiosity-driven exploration and genuine innovation. With his trademark blend of humor and pragmatism, Sir Richard later reflected on his own research journey, stressing the importance of intellectual curiosity, rigorous questioning, and—at times—a touch of good fortune. Together, these reflections offered a vivid portrait of a scientist whose enduring spirit continues to shape both scientific thought and public understanding of discovery.

Sir Richard Roberts shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Phillip Sharp for their groundbreaking discoveries concerning the structure of eukaryotic genes and the mechanism of RNA splicing. In 1977, Sir Richard revealed the unexpected organization of the 5’end of adenovirus type 2 mRNA, demonstrating that genes are composed of coding regions (exons) interspersed with non-coding sequences (introns). During gene expression, introns are removed and exons are precisely joined to form mature messenger RNA—a discovery that fundamentally reshaped scientific understanding of gene architecture and regulation, and laid a cornerstone of modern molecular genetics. Building on this deep expertise in gene structure and regulation, Sir Richard later emerged as a leading international voice on the science and safety of genetically modified foods.

The lecture was chaired by Chien-Ling Lin, Assistant Research Fellow at Academia Sinica’s Institute of Molecular Biology, who described Sir Richard Roberts as one of the most fearless scientists of our time. Beyond his discovery of introns and pioneering work on RNA splicing, Sir Richard has also been a central figure in the early development of restriction enzyme research in molecular biology. His team helped establish one of the world’s earliest restriction enzyme databases, and in his long-standing role as Chief Scientific Officer of New England Biolabs, he has driven the transformation of these so-called “molecular scissors” into indispensable tools for life-science research worldwide. This same fearless spirit is reflected in his advocacy for genetically modified foods: rather than remaining solely within the laboratory, Sir Richard has chosen to engage directly with the public, embrace dialogue across differing perspectives, and speak out consistently for scientific evidence and rational debate.

As founder and chair of the Laureate Science Alliance, Sir Richard J. Roberts noted in his lecture that the genes of all living organisms on Earth are continuously reshaped through evolution, mutation, and natural selection. Modern GMO technologies, he explained, can accelerate these evolutionary processes while introducing specific traits with far greater precision and predictability. Using Golden Rice as a case in point, Sir Richard demonstrated how this biofortified crop can increase vitamin A intake and help prevent severe health conditions caused by vitamin A deficiency—an especially acute challenge in many developing countries. He called on society to return to scientific rationality and to engage in evidence-based discussions on the impacts of genetically modified crops on the environment, human survival, and global food security.

The TAIWAN BRIDGES Program, jointly promoted by Academia Sinica, 11 leading domestic academic and research institutions, and the International Peace Foundation, aims to foster in-depth intellectual exchange between Taiwan and leading scholars from around the world. Beginning in November 2025, Academia Sinica will host more than ten Nobel laureates over the course of a year, spanning fields including peace, physics, chemistry, biomedicine, and literature, demonstrating Academia Sinica’s continued efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and advance frontier research.

On February 11, Academia Sinica will also host Dr. Sir Paul Nurse, recipient of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, for a lecture titled “What Is Life?” The public is cordially invited to register and take part in the lecture.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/Zkcde8oWYYuTK1a89