#China #Beijing #Basic Science #ICBS #Beijing Congress

The 2026 International Congress of Basic Science Opens in Beijing

On August 9, 2026, the International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) kicked off in Beijing, attracting more than 1,000 participants from around the world, including scientists, researchers, and emerging scholars. This year's theme, "Advancing Basic Science for Humanity," revolves around exploring scientific frontiers that hold the potential to transform our understanding of fundamental science.

A Rich Agenda for Exploratory Minds
The upcoming two weeks promise to be intellectually stimulating, featuring over 500 academic sessions that span a diverse range of topics within basic science and its interdisciplinary branches. Highlights include themes such as generative large-model reasoning, computer vision, human-computer interaction, and quantum information. Promoting multidisciplinary collaborative innovation, the congress aims to bridge various scientific fields through comprehensive discussions and exchanges.

Lectures and Dialogues with Leading Experts
At the congress, esteemed scientists will present lectures on basic and frontier science, sharing their latest breakthroughs with attendees. Additionally, special sessions like “Mathematics Night,” “Physics Night,” and “Engineering Night” will provide platforms for discussions led by prestigious award recipients, including Fields Medal and Turing Award laureates. Such forums are invaluable for sharing insights on emerging trends within these fields and fostering new collaborations.

Empowering Women in Science
In a significant move towards inclusivity, a newly launched Women Scientists Forum will be featured at the congress, highlighting the achievements of outstanding female researchers. This forum aims not only to share experiences but also to discuss challenges and opportunities, inspiring more women to pursue and excel in scientific research careers.

A Deep Dive into AI Development
The event will also address the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the Basic Science and AI Forum, where leading experts will engage in critical conversations about the industry trends and theoretical bottlenecks in AI development. This segment is expected to provide vital insights that could shape the future of AI research and its applications.

Unique Cultural Engagements
One of the unique aspects of this congress is the “Tsinghua Day,” which invites world-renowned mathematicians and physicists to engage in direct dialogues with students at Tsinghua University. This initiative aims to encourage young students to delve into basic science and to inspire the next generation of scholars through personal interactions with established researchers.

To give international experts a taste of China's rich heritage, the congress will also organize an “Explore Huairou” tour. This tour will include visits to prominent sites such as Huairou Science City, the Mutianyu Great Wall, and Doctor's Farm. By showcasing the ecological beauty and cultural richness of Huairou, the event will demonstrate how science and technology drive rural revitalization and promote sustainable development.

A Celebration of Science’s Role in Society
The 2026 ICBS marks the fourth year this congress has been hosted in Beijing, co-organized by the Beijing Municipal Government, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the China Association for Science and Technology, and the International Consortium of Chinese Mathematicians. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of basic science in advancing societal progress and highlights Beijing's pivotal role as a global hub for scientific innovation.

In summary, the 2026 International Congress of Basic Science sets the stage for exciting discussions that promise to push boundaries and inspire new scientific endeavors. As this prestigious event unfolds, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on the scientific community and beyond.