2025 Future Science Prize to Honour 7 Scientists Hong Kong to host Prize Week in October Awards ceremony to take place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre

At a live-streamed press conference held in chorus in Beijing and Hong Kong today, the Hong Kong Future Science Prize Foundation announced the winners of this year's Future Science Prize (the “Prize”) for Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics and Computer Science. A total of 7 outstanding scientists will be honoured, they include Qiang JI, Xing XU, Zhonghe ZHOU for the Life Science Prize, Zhong FANG, Xi DAI, Hong DING for the Physical Science Prize, and Chih-Yuan LU for the Mathematics and Computer Science Prize (Please refer to the attachment for details of the laureates). Since 2016, a total of 46 renowned scientists have been awarded by the Prize.

The Hong Kong Future Science Prize Foundation announces laureates of this year's Future Science Prize in the categories of Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics and Computer Science at a press conference broadcasted live in chorus in Beijing and Hong Kong. 7 scientists are to receive the 2025 Future Science Prize. (Photos provided by the Future Science Prize)

Professor Dong SUN, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, delivered a pre-recorded speech.

In his speech, Professor Lian-Tao WANG, Chairman of the 2025 Science Committee of the Future Science Prize, said that the term "Future" in the Future Science Prize represents two of our expectations. First, we aim to recognise groundbreaking scientific achievements that have the potential to change the course of various disciplines, and even shape the future of humanity. Second, we trust that these exceptional scientists will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, offering transformative contributions to the world through their insights and capabilities. Professor Wang added that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Prize, signifying not just a milestone, but also the beginning of a new chapter. The Prize will look to discover and honour those committed to its mission of discovering and honouring scientific achievements that can shape the future and change the world as we know it.

Mr Victor WANG, Rotating Chairman, 2025 Future Science Prize Donor’s Congress, stated that in the last decade, he has witnessed every step of the prize’s journey from its inception. The scientific achievements represented by each laureate have undergone rigorous scrutiny over time and made profound impacts internationally, truly pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and demonstrating outstanding contributions.

Mr Victor WANG, Rotating Chairman, 2025 Future Science Prize Donor’s Congress, stated that the scientific achievements represented by each laureate have undergone rigorous scrutiny over time and made a profound impact internationally. (Photos provided by the Future Science Prize)

Professor Dennis Yuk-Ming LO, Co-Chair of the 2025 Future Science Prize Week Program Committee and President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, congratulated this year’s laureates. He also said this year, being the 10th anniversary of the Future Science Prize as well as the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, marks a "double blessing", the time to not only celebrate past accomplishments, but also to move forward into a brighter future.

Professor Lo expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Government for its continued support in hosting this mega scientific event in Hong Kong, fostering a strong scientific research atmosphere in the city and igniting public interest in science, and that it has also become an important force driving scientific and technological advancement in China and the world, letting the world appreciate the research strength of the Greater China Region.

Professor Dennis Yuk-Ming LO, Co-Chairman of the Program Committee of the 2025 Future Science Prize Week and President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, describes the event this ear as a "double blessing", being the 10th anniversary of both the Future Science Prize and the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. (Photos provided by the Future Science Prize)

He stressed that this year’s Prize Week activities will focus more on community engagement, bringing science into daily life to inspire everyone. The awards ceremony will be held for the first time at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, in the hope of integrating science, art and culture.

Mr Leon MENG, Member of the 2025 Executive Committee of the Future Forum, said the growth of the Future Science Prize relies on the strong support from all sectors of society. It is through our collective efforts that this esteemed international scientific event has been successfully held in Hong Kong for two consecutive years. Through Hong Kong, a global platform, the Prize would be able to share a 'scientific feast' with peers around the world who are passionate about science. In the future, the Prize hopes to inspire even more people to engage in volunteer efforts that promote scientific progress.

Laureates of the 2025 Future Science Prize are announced in the presence of Professor Dennis Yuk-Ming LO, Co-Chairman of the Program Committee of the 2025 Future Science Prize Week and President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (second left); Mr Victor WANG, Rotating Chairman, 2025 Future Science Prize Donor's Congress (second right), Mr Leon MENG, Member of the 2025 Executive Committee of the Future Forum (first right) and Professor Ming LI, Member, Science Committee of the Future Science Prize (first left) and. (Photos provided by the Future Science Prize)

The Future Science Prize Week 2025 will take place in Hong Kong, featuring a series of events that will liven the scientific atmosphere in the city. Highlights will include Science and Technology Forum and the 2025 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference to be held on 22 and 23 October, respectively, a two-day Science Symposium to be held on 24 and 25 October, the Future Science Prize Laureate Dialogue with the Youth and the 2025 Future Science Prize Awards Ceremony to take place on 26 October. A number of globally renowned scientists have been invited to participate in those events, including the previous laureates of the Future Science Prize, Professor Randy Schekman, 2013 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Professor Arieh Warshel, 2013 Nobel laureate in Chemistry, Professor Reinhard Genzel and Professor David Gross, 2020 and 2004 Nobel laureates in Physics, and also fellows from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the US National Academy of Sciences and the Academia Europaea. There will also be two exhibitions open to the public at the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in late September and October.

The Future Science Prize Week 2025 will be live streamed on its official website
(https://www.futureprize-hk.org) and the social media platforms of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences.

Hong Kong is making comprehensive efforts to advance technological innovation, with a robust scientific foundation and widespread science education serving as the cornerstones for nurturing future innovators in the field. The eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (ASHK), the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering, the Hong Kong Institution of Science, and the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK), was officially launched today (22 March).

The kick-off ceremony of the eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme was held today. A total of 60 renowned scientists and engineers will voluntarily mentor 119 local high school science students, passing on the torch of scientific knowledge. (Photo provided by organiser)

Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, officiated the ceremony as guests of honour and delivered speeches. Together with approximately 300 participants, including guests, school principals, parents, and students, they witnessed an important moment for 119 secondary school science students. Under the voluntary mentorship of 60 scientists and engineers, these students are poised to take a pivotal step forward on the path of scientific exploration.

The kick-off ceremony of the eighth round of the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme was held today. A total of 60 renowned scientists and engineers will voluntarily mentor 119 local high school science students, passing on the torch of scientific knowledge. (Photo provided by organiser)

Since its launch in 2018, the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme has benefited over 900 students, establishing itself as a flagship initiative for science popularisation in Hong Kong. This year, 60 mentors whose expertise spans life sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and environmental sciences, are serving as mentors to students. In addition, distinguished scholars such as Professor Lap-Chee TSUI, Founding President of ASHK and former President of The University of Hong Kong; and Professor Nancy IP, Founding Member of ASHK and President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, continue their commitment to guiding the next generation. Newly elected Members of ASHK, including Professor KWAN Mei-Po, Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Professor NG Siew Chien, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, joined the Mentorship Programme as mentors for the first time.

Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of HKSARG, officiates the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme kick-off ceremony. (Photo provided by organiser)

Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, emphasised that promoting science education and nurturing young I&T talent are core objectives of ASHK, serving as crucial cornerstones for Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology hub. He noted that since its launch in 2018, the Mentorship Programme has expanded each year, with nearly 1,000 students having participated to date. Many of these mentees subsequently chose to pursue science-related degrees and entered the research or engineering sectors, thereby contributing to Hong Kong's new wave of technological innovation. Professor LO expressed his hope that current mentees would cherish the opportunity to interact closely with leading scientists, gain a deeper insight into the world of scientific research and personally experience its appeal, laying the groundwork for their future careers in technology and innovation.

Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK, encourages participants to seize the opportunity to engage closely with leading scientists and experience the excitement of scientific research first-hand. (Photo provided by ASHK)

Professor LO said that, as the nation advances its 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is actively aligning with national strategies, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence to foster the development of new productive forces. He added that nurturing a new generation of local scientists and ensuring the intergenerational transmission of the scientific spirit and expertise is not only the shared responsibility of the scientific community, the education sector, and the government, but is also crucial for Hong Kong to capitalise on national developmental opportunities and contribute to the country's pursuit of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement.

Daniel CHUNG, currently enrolled in the International Research Enrichment Programme in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, says that the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme inspired his career direction. After graduation, he aspires to pursue a career in scientific research and contribute to society. (Photo provided by organiser)

Daniel CHUNG, a former mentee in the “Distinguished Master, Accomplished Students” Mentorship Programme, is currently enrolled in the International Research Programme in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He shared his experiences and insights from the Mentorship Programme at the event. Daniel expressed special gratitude to his mentor, Professor Stephaine MA, Vice-President of YASHK and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Hong Kong. He noted that Professor MA not only shared her research journey and invaluable knowledge in the biomedical field, but also provided guidance on his academic progression and career planning. Through this mentorship, Daniel has clarified his future path in science and solidified his determination to pursue a career in research and contribute to the nation and society.

Dr Jeff SZE, the Acting Secretary for Education of HKSARG (Second Right), and Professor Dennis LO, President of ASHK (Second Left), interact with students participating in this year's Mentorship Programme. (Photo provided by organiser)