Tech Development for Society, Path to Well-being

Belarus scientist Sergey Antonovich Chizhik is known for his work in physics, micro- and nano-scale surface mechanics, and nanodiagnostics. As the first deputy chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Chizhik is an advocate for international scientific collaboration who received the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2024. He sat down with Science and Technology Daily to reflect on his journey through the world of scientific discovery and cooperation with China.

What inspired you to choose your research field?

Chizhik: My academic career began more than 40 years ago. After graduating from the Mechanics and Mathematics Department of the Belarusian State University, I got a job at the Institute of Mechanics of Metal-Polymer Systems of the National Academy of Sciences. It seems surprising to me that already in 1982, we understood the importance of processes occurring in the contact zone of solid surfaces at the nanoscale. Since then, I have been studying friction in very exact precision contacts, for example, in magnetic recording devices of personal computers. The path to nanotechnology and nanodiagnostics opened to me.

Which research achievements are you most proud of? How have they influenced the development of your field?

Chizhik: I am most proud of our results in the development of many measurement technologies and devices based on atomic force microscopy. A small team from my laboratory developed and created an original sample of an atomic force microscope back in 1993, including all components of a very precise scanning unit, a control electronics unit, and the necessary software. The devices provide a "trip" to the nanoworld. They visualize it and allow you to touch it, and determine many properties of materials on the nanoscale. Several dozen devices are in operation in our country and abroad. Our devices are used to conduct research in surface engineering, micro- and nanoelectronics and cell microbiology.

How important is technological development for a country and society, especially in the context of the current wave of technological and industrial transformations?

Chizhik: The role of science in our time is enormous. Understanding the structure of the surrounding world opens up new and unexplored ways to solve the pressing problems of humanity. Technological development for society is the path to well-being. However, at the same time, we must be vigilant. New technologies can also be dangerous. But technological development cannot be stopped. It is a constant and intensive process. Today's pace of development of human civilization certainly requires the highest pace of technological developments and there are high expectations from science.

Which area of China's technological progress impresses you the most?

Chizhik: China is amazing. It is developing at a tremendous pace and actively promoting technological progress. I often visit China and since 2002, I have seen amazing changes taking place. I always say that China is technologically developing the whole world. We use technological benefits developed in China. The most impressive parts are the innovations that come into our daily lives, new solutions in electronics, the automobile industry, high-speed trains and much more.

You've worked closely with Chinese partners, including Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). What benefits have these collaborations brought to both sides?

Chizhik: As one of the leaders of academic science in Belarus and as a scientist, I devote a lot of effort and attention to cooperation with China. Our scientists cooperate with many universities, academic institutes and companies in China. We also cooperate at the regional level with many provinces of China. We create joint laboratories and centers in many areas of science and technology. Heilongjiang province (in northeast China) has been a long-standing partner of Belarus. We have prepared a large monograph on micro-electromechanical systems. I hope that it will be possible to translate it into Chinese and it will serve as a foundational course for educational cooperation related to HIT. I want our young scientists to receive master's and scientific degrees at HIT. We are pleased to accept students from China to study at the Belarusian National Technical University and the Academic University.

What do you think are the unique strengths of Chinese researchers?

Chizhik: We are in constant contact with our Chinese colleagues, including participation in online seminars and conferences. It was the Chinese partners and friends who stimulated the continuity of cooperation. Their focus on the final result and the practical implementation of developments in new products is amazing. The culture of China is very ancient, covering thousands of years of historical periods. I have visited many historical places in China and am very interested in the teachings and wisdom of Confucius. The experience of modern China is also interesting.

Su Simiao from HIT contributed to this article.

Source: Science and Technology Daily