John Pople
Banquet speech
John A. Pople’s speech at the Nobel Banquet, 10 December 1998.
Your Majesties, Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this occasion I have much to celebrate.
I rejoice in the opportunities I have had in many diverse branches of science over the past fifty years. Starting in mathematics, using fundamental principles of physics, aided by developing power of computer science I have seen the expansion of theory in many branches of chemistry and biology. Increasingly, science is being unified.
I rejoice in the magnificent group of students who have aided me over the years, without whose brilliance and dedication, little could have been possible. They have come from far afield. I am honoured by the presence of some tonight, including two who have made the longest journey from Australia and New Zealand to be with us at this ceremony.
I rejoice in the large community of quantum chemists, to which I belong. Over the years, we have worked closely together, freely exchanging ideas and inspiration. It is a great delight to me that a scientific career can lead to so many friendships among people from so many nations.
Finally, I rejoice in this occasion, this magnificent celebration of human culture. Over the past century, the Nobel Foundation has fashioned a unique focus for so many diverse, impressive achievements. I join this class of Nobel laureates with much humility.
For all of this, I am deeply grateful.
Streams during Nobel Week
Watch the 2024 Nobel Prize lectures, Nobel Week Dialogue, the prize award ceremonies in Oslo and Stockholm and Nobel Peace Prize Forum here at nobelprize.org.