Eleven scientists honored at the 2026 World Laureates Forum
Eleven scientists were honored at the opening of the 2026 World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, where participants discussed AI-assisted research, international cooperation and scientific breakthroughs for the next decade. Nearly 300 scientists and more than 4,000 guests attended the event.
- Eleven scientists received WLF Prizes at the 2026 World Laureates Forum.
- The WLF Prize for young scientists was presented for the first time this year.
- Nearly 300 scientists and more than 4,000 guests attended the forum.
- Six parallel forums covered topics including artificial intelligence and quantum science.
WLF Prizes presented in three categories
The opening of the 2026 World Laureates Forum, the WLF Prize ceremony and the main forum took place on October 31 at the Lingang Center in Shanghai. This year’s event focused on the theme “A New Scientific Paradigm: Breaking Through in the Next Decade.”
In the computing or mathematics category of the 2026 WLF Prize, the award went to Ingrid Daubechies, emeritus professor of mathematics at Duke University. The citation recognized her significant work in applied harmonic analysis, wavelet theory and image compression, as well as her leadership in the international mathematics community.
The four winners in the life sciences or medicine category were Yuan Junying, Wang Xiaodong, Shao Feng and Vishva Dixit. According to the organizers, their research revealed the molecular pathways of different forms of programmed cell death and established the biochemical foundations of apoptosis.
The WLF Prize for young scientists was presented for the first time this year. The six winners were Raphaële Juliette Clément, Chen Peining, Ding Shiqian, Wu Jiajun, Xie Weidi and Zhuang Ziquan. Six researchers are selected annually in this category, with each receiving 1 million yuan.
Artificial intelligence and industrial innovation were also central themes
The forum focused on four main areas: AI-enabled collaborative research and innovation, opportunities to create value from scientific discoveries, international cooperation based on openness and trust, and developing the capabilities of young scientists.
Speakers included Omar M. Yaghi, the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry; Hu Hailan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zeng Yuqun, founder and chairman of CATL; Fields Medal-winning mathematician Laurent Lafforgue; and Tang Jie, a professor at Tsinghua University and founder of Z.ai.
According to the source, the speeches aimed to strengthen the links between fundamental scientific research and industrial innovation. The program also included six parallel forums on future semiconductors, biomedicine, space information technology, artificial intelligence, future energy and quantum science.
The forum prepares for the scientific challenges of the next decade
The event followed a so-called “1+6+4+1” format. Alongside a joint opening, award ceremony and main forum, this comprised six parallel forums, four thematic events and a closing ceremony. The thematic programs included the Young Scientists Forum, the SHE Forum, the Future Scientists Forum and the World Top-Performing Incubator Conference.
Since its founding in 2018, the World Laureates Forum has followed the vision of “Science and Technology for a Shared Future of Humanity.” Its missions include advancing basic research, supporting international cooperation and helping young scientists develop.
According to the organizers, this year’s meeting brought together leading scientists from around the world, universities and industry representatives. The program therefore addressed research cooperation, the development of the scientific talent pipeline and the social significance of emerging technologies.
