On September 10, 2025, the winners of the 2025 World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize) were officially announced at the Lingang Center in Shanghai. This year’s prize honors three scientists for their groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields, once again highlighting the global influence of this prestigious award, established in Shanghai with a worldwide vision.
As the key organizers and sponsors of the World Laureates Forum (WLF), the Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Innovation Development Foundation proudly witnessed the opening of this major scientific event. The upcoming WLA Prize Award Ceremony will be held on October 24 in the Lingang Special Area, further infusing this hub of innovation with new waves of intellectual vitality.
Laureates and Academic Contributions
The 2025 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics was awarded to Richard SCHOEN, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor, Emeritus, The School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University, in recognition of pioneering his work in geometric analysis and differential geometry, including seminal results on conformal partial differential equations, minimal surfaces, general relativity, harmonic maps, and the Yamabe problem.
The 2025 WLA Prize Laureate in Computer Science or Mathematics
The 2025 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine was jointly awarded to Scott D. EMR, Emeritus Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology of Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics from Cornell University and Wesley I. SUNDQUIST, Samuels Distinguished Professor and Chair of Department of Biochemistry from University of Utah, for their discovery of the cellular machinery for receptor membrane protein trafficking and degradation with a connection to virus budding, infection and HIV drug therapy. This research has been vital for understanding viral budding, infection processes, and the development of HIV therapeutic strategies.
The 2025 WLA Prize Laureates in Life Science or Medicine
Voices from the WLA Prize Selection Committee: Science Benefiting Humanity
Michael I. JORDAN, Chair of the WLA Prize Selection Committee for Computer Science or Mathematics, praised Professor SCHOEN for His body of work perfectly embodies the WLA Prize’s mission to recognize transformative contributions to science.
2025 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics – Selection Committee Chair Michael I. JORDAN explains via video the reasons for the award.
Randy SCHEKMAN, Chair of the WLA Prize Selection Committee for Life Science or Medicine, remarked that Professors EMR and SUNDQUIST, the independent yet combined work of these two cell and structural biologists has solved a long-standing question of how cell membrane proteins are captured, and the achievements of Emr and Sundquist represent the best of what basic science has to offer in discoveries of real-world impact.
2025 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine – Selection Committee Chair Randy SCHEKMAN explains via video the reasons for the award.
Lingang: Witnessing Glory, Gathering Wisdom
The Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Innovation Development Foundation remains committed to strengthening the core function of Lingang as a science and technology innovation hub. With the continued presence of the WLA Prize and the World Laureates Forum in the Lingang Special Area, the region is set to further attract global talent, empower local innovation, and accelerate its transformation into a “Lingang Science and Innovation City.” This vision includes becoming a world-class center for technology commercialization, a hub for emerging industries, and an ideal place for youth entrepreneurship.
The World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize) is an international science prize established in Shanghai, in 2021, the WLA Prize is awarded in two categories: “Computer Science or Mathematics” and “Life Science or Medicine.” The total award for each Prize, which may be divided among up to four laureates, is RMB 10 million, making it one of the world’s most lucrative scientific prizes.
The Award Ceremony of the 2025 WLA Prize Award Ceremony will once again take place in the Lingang Special Area on October 24, alongside the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Laureates Forum. The three laureates will attend the WLF in Lingang and participate in a series of activities.
