The 2024 World Laureates Forum (WLF) was successfully held from October 25 to 27 at the permanent venue in Lingang Special Area, Shanghai. Under the theme “Excellence in Science”, the forum brought together nearly 300 top scientists, rising talents, and representatives from various sectors across nearly 20 countries and regions, including 11 Nobel laureates, over 40 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and nearly 100 outstanding young scientists from China and abroad. Co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology and the World Laureates Association and organized by the Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Innovation Foundation and other institutions, the forum fully demonstrated Shanghai’s openness and aspiration to become a global center of scientific and technological innovation.
The 2024 World Laureates Forum (WLF) On-Sitev
Excellence in Science: The Source of Ideas, The Foundation of Innovation
Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Randy Schekman, remarked in his speech, “Science is a global enterprise that thrives on the free flow of information.” This viewpoint echoes the forum’s mission of promoting fundamental science and advocating international collaboration. From quantum physics to life sciences, from artificial intelligence to material science, participating scientists explored how science transitions from being curiosity-driven to being oriented toward human welfare through interdisciplinary perspectives.
Vice Chairman of the World Laureates Association, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Randy Schekman
WLA Prize: Honoring Excellence and Inspiring the Future
The awarding ceremony of the 2024 World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize) became a major highlight of the forum. Jon Kleinberg, Professor of Computer Science and Information Science at Cornell University, received the WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, for his groundbreaking contributions that offer key insights into algorithmic ethics and social fairness. Jeremy Nathans, Professor of Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, was awarded the WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine for his discoveries in visual genetics that unlock the mysteries of life. Jeremy Nathans emphasized, “The most important outcome of science is not only knowledge itself, but a way of thinking” —— this is a habit of mind that reshapes society and nourishes civilization.
The 2024 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics was awarded to Jon Kleinberg, Tisch University Professor of Computer Science and Information Science at Cornell University.
The WLA Prize not only recognizes scientific achievements but also embodies its mission to nurture young talents. Both awardees visited Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and local secondary schools to engage directly with students, igniting passion for science in the next generation. As Nathans stated, “The future of science belongs to young people, and it is our responsibility to help pave the way for them.”
Cross-Disciplinary Resonance: The Synergy of Science, Industry, and Society
For the first time, the forum introduced the Excellence Case Workshop, promoting deep integration of academic research, industrial application, and investment collaboration. Nearly 40 scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors gathered to discuss how fundamental research can be translated into real-world applications, demonstrating science’s tremendous potential to serve society. Quantum physicist David Gross envisioned in this speech, “The evolving technology cycle is reshaping the future of humanity.” Materials scientist Xue Qikun predicted, “The intersection of quantum technology and new materials will trigger an unprecedented technological revolution.”
Keynote Speech by Professor David Gross
The ethical implications of artificial intelligence also drew much attention. Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences Christopher Pissarides warned, “We must avoid exacerbating inequality in the AI era.” This resonates with the forum’s mission of “Technology for Good,” reminding us that science is not merely a tool, but a force that should advance civilization and benefit all humankind.
Keynote Speech by Professor Christopher Pissarides
Science Without Borders: Its Language, Its Warmth, and Its Mission
Although the forum’s official language is science, its essence lies in universal humanistic care that transcends national boundaries. At the Life Sciences Conference, Academician Chen Zhu remarked, “Science is the language of peace.” At the Young Scientists Conference, Academician Jiao Nianzhi called for, “Connecting the world through science as a common bond.” During the closing ceremony, scientists sang “Hand in Hand” together, expressing unity, joy, and the core spirit of the global scientific community.
The Shining Voice of Women Scientists
At the “She Forum,” scholars advocated for breaking gender barriers and unleashing “the other half of human intelligence.” Wolf Prize laureate Michael Berry insightfully noted, “The beauty of science lies in the fact that questions never end.” Education innovator Zheng Quanshui commented, “The education model of the industrial era can no longer meet the needs of the intelligent era.”
A Seven-Year Journey: From Lingang to the World, From Today to the Future
Since its inception in 2018, the World Laureates Forum has invited over 260 Nobel laureates and more than 850 young scientists and becoming a global hub for scientific exchange. This year is the first time, the forum opened to public participation and expanded to Beijing and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, extending the spirit of science to a broader audience. As stated in the closing speech, “The future will echo the steps we take today.”
The essence of science is the exploration of the unknown. The significance of the WLF lies in gathering the wisdom and courage of explorers. From Galileo’s lantern to Xue Qikun’s quantum materials, from Marie Curie’s pioneering radioactivity experiments to today’s debates on AI ethics, humanity has always advanced through the guidance of excellence in science. The 2024 forum not only leaves a scientific footprint for Shanghai as an innovation hub but also sends a strong message to the world: Only through openness, cooperation, and innovation can the light of science illuminate humanity’s shared future.
