3 Scientists Awarded 2026 Future Science Prize, Prize Week to Bring Science Events to Hong Kong Community in November

The Hong Kong Future Science Prize Foundation announced the laureates of this year's Future Science Prize (the “Prize”) for Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics and Computer Science today via a live-streamed press conference held simultaneously in Beijing and Hong Kong. A total of 3 outstanding scientists will be honoured this year. They include Hong Zhang for the Life Science Prize, Dongyuan Zhao for the Physical Science Prize, and Xinyi Yuan for the Mathematics and Computer Science Prize. Since 2016, the Prize has recognised a total of 49 outstanding scientists.

From left to right: Hong Zhang for the Life Science Prize, Dongyuan Zhao for the Physical Science Prize, and Xinyi Yuan for the Mathematics and Computer Science Prize. Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Laureates of the 2026 Future Science Prize are announced in the presence of Professor Dong Sun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (Third Right); Professor Dennis Yuk-Ming Lo, President of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (Third Left); Professor Vivian Wing-Wah Yam, Co-Chair of the 2026 Future Science Prize Week Program Committee and Vice-President of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (Second Left); Mr Yichen Zhang, Rotating Chairman of the Council of Future Forum 2026 (First Right); Professor Ngai Ming Mok, Member of the Selection Committee of the Future Science Prize and Member of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (First Left); and Mr Victor Wang, Foundation Donor, Future Science Prize (Second Right). Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

In his speech, Professor Dong Sun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, noted that this year marks the start of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, and that hosting the Future Science Prize not only aligns precisely with the national strategy for innovation and technology development, but also helps elevate the level of self-reliance and strength in science and technology. He added that now is also a critical moment, as the HKSAR Government is pressing ahead with the formulation of its first Five-Year Plan, and that holding the Future Science Prize Week in Hong Kong again provides an ideal opportunity to bring worldclass scientific dialogue directly into the I&T development process we are actively advancing. He said he believes that the Prize Week, which includes high-level academic exchange platforms such as the Science Symposium, will play a major role in accelerating Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology hub, as well as attracting top international talent.

Professor Dong Sun, Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Professor Kun-Liang Guan, Rotating Chairman of the 2026 Selection Committee of the Future Science Prize, mentioned at the press conference that the core value of the Future Science Prize lies not only in recognising top-tier scientific achievements, but also in upholding the purity of the scientific spirit and building an international platform for scientific exchange. He added that each selection result must stand up to professional scrutiny, industry examination, and the test of time. Moving forward, the Prize will continue to promote internationalisation, institutionalisation, and sustainability, stepping steadily towards its long-term goal of becoming a "centennial science award". Through the power of science, it will provide impetus to the development of global scientific research, advance the frontiers of international academia and nurture the next generation of researchers.

Professor Vivian Wing-Wah Yam, Co-Chair of the 2026 Future Science Prize Week Program Committee and Vice-President of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, extended her warm congratulations to the awarded scientists. She stated that holding the Future Science Prize Week in Hong Kong for the fourth consecutive year is of profound significance; it not only underscores Hong Kong's status as an international hub for scientific communication, but also highlights the strong global competitiveness of local basic scientific research. Prize Week and its related events bring activities to the public of Hong Kong that combine science popularisation with academic engagement. During this year’s Prize Week in November, nearly 100 worldrenowned scientists–including Professor Omar YAGHI, laureate of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Professor Thomas SÜDHOF, laureate of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and several Future Science Prize laureates – will gather in Hong Kong for events such as the Science Symposium.

Professor Vivian Wing-Wah Yam, Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Professor Yam emphasised that the future of science lies in passing on knowledge. Prize Week is not only a gathering of scientists, but also an event for the general public. To bring science into the community and into people’s daily lives, this October – for the third consecutive year – the Prize will host a month-long exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum, along with numerous science outreach activities for secondary school students. Furthermore, this year's Awards Ceremony and Concert will take place at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, and is expected to be the largest event held there since its inauguration. The organiser will collaborate with worldclass performers and Hong Kong school orchestras to present a spectacular cross-generational, audiovisual feast that weaves together science and music.

Mr Yichen Zhang, Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Mr Yichen Zhang, Rotating Chairman of the Council of the Future Forum 2026, stated that
2026 is a pivotal year for the Future Science Prize in advancing its international strategy. Guided by its positioning of "rooted in Hong Kong, connected to the Mainland, and engaging the world", he expressed the hope that the Prize will continue to serve as a bridge connecting Chinese scientists with the world's foremost scientific stage.

The annual scientific mega event - The Future Science Prize Week 2026 – will be held in early November, when a buzz of scientific excitement will sweep across the city. The series of events includes a two-day Science Symposium on 6 and 7 November; a Science and Technology Forum focused on artificial intelligence on 6 November; the Future Science Prize Laureates’ Dialogue with the Youth and the 2026 Future Science Prize Awards Ceremony and Concert on 8 November, and the 2026 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference on 9 November. A number of globally renowned scientists have been invited to participate in these events. In addition, the Hong Kong Science Museum will host a month-long public exhibition starting 16 October, showcasing the history of the Future Science Prize and detailing the awarded scientists' achievements and global impact, with select exhibits featuring interactive elements.

The Hong Kong Future Science Prize Foundation today announced the 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 broadcast live simultaneously in Beijing and Hong Kong. A total of 3 scientists are to receive the 2026 Future Science Prize. Photo source: Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

The Future Science Prize Week 2026 will be livestreamed on its official website
(https://www.futureprize-hk.org) and the social media platforms of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences.

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony

Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) held the Solar Project 2026 ClosingCeremony today (August 13). The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Angela Lee, officiated as guest of honour, joining the Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan, to witness 106 students from 77 secondary schools present the learning outcomes they achieved through the programme.

In her address, Ms Lee said,"Amid a shifting global economic landscape and rapid technological advancement, Hong Kong will seize the opportunities presented by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, channelling our unique strengths into the broader national development agenda and innovation ecosystem. From the digital economy and innovation and technology to cultural and creative industries and professional services, tremendous opportunities lie ahead. These are opportunities that call for a passionate, creative, and committed new generation, just like our Solar Ambassadors, to step up and seize them."

The Solar Project 2026 was themed "Cultural and Tourism Junior Reporters". Participating secondary school students took on the role of Solar Ambassadors and engaged in a series of study visits and training activities. These included a study trip to Qianhai, Shenzhen, in late June, accompanied by workshops on digital media production as well as broadcasting and hosting skills; a visit to Xinjiang in early July; and a mid-programme sharing session in late July. At today's closing ceremony, the Solar Ambassadors shared their learning outcomes through a variety of formats, telling the nation's story to the world from a youthful perspective. Ms Lee encouraged the Solar Ambassadors to sustain their passion and curiosity, to keep exploring and embrace innovation, and to continuously develop themselves in order to be well prepared to seize future opportunities.

Other guests attending the closing ceremony included Senior Curriculum Development Officer (Personal, Social and Humanities Education) of the Education Bureau Ms Carmen Chan, members of the RTHK Advisory Committee, and representatives from co-organising and sponsoring organisations.

RTHK will produce a special programme, "Solar Project", to comprehensively document the highlights of this year's activities. The programme will air on RTHK TV31 for three consecutive Fridays beginning August 28 at 9.30pm.

Solar Project 2026 is jointly organised by RTHK and the Hong Kong Chinese Culture Development Association, sponsored by the B&P Foundation, and funded by the HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland.

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

RTHK holds Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases