#China #Beijing #Tsinghua University #ICBS 2026 #fundamental research

Overview of ICFS 2026

On August 9, 2026, the International Congress on Fundamental Sciences (ICFS 2026) was inaugurated in Beijing, marking a significant event in the academic calendar. The congress attracted a remarkable roster of attendees, including four Fields Medal winners—Shing-Tung Yau, Maxim Kontsevich, Martin Hairer, and Caucher Birkar—as well as the Turing Award laureate Robert Tarjan and Tsinghua University's president, Li Luming.

The event brought together over 800 researchers and students hailing from more than 30 countries and regions, showcasing the vibrant and collaborative nature of modern science. During the opening ceremony, Li Luming emphasized the crucial role that leading research universities play in promoting fundamental research in the age of artificial intelligence. His remarks underlined Tsinghua University’s commitment to deepening its involvement in fundamental sciences through increased investment and the development of world-class researchers.

In recent years, Tsinghua has leveraged AI to accelerate scientific discoveries, enhance its capacity for nurturing independent talent, and strengthen its innovative capabilities. Looking ahead, Tsinghua aims to cultivate future talents in fundamental research and contribute significantly to expanding the frontiers of human knowledge and the advancement of civilization.

Significance of the Event

The ICFS president, Yau, highlighted China's enhancement of support for fundamental research through larger budget allocations, policy initiatives, talent development, and investments in research infrastructure. He pointed out that while AI can significantly expedite mathematical conclusions and proof verification, it cannot replace human creativity, intuition, and the timeless quest for answers to unanswered questions. Progress in fundamental research invariably occurs at the intersection of various disciplines and through a willingness to venture into uncharted territories.

During the ceremony, two prestigious awards were presented: the ICFS Medal and the Frontiers of Science Award. Nine scientists were the first recipients of the ICFS Medal for their contributions across mathematics, physics, and engineering: Claire Voisin, Horng-Tzer Yau, Shouwu Zhang, Andrea J. Liu, Yifang Wang, Xiao-gang Wen, Zhenan Bao, Xiaowei Zhuang, and Feng Zhang. Notably, among the medalists, four are women, reflecting the increasing inclusion in the sciences.

The Frontiers of Science Award recognized 111 high-caliber, original research works from over 20 countries and regions. Among the awarded works, 19 emerged from researchers affiliated with 17 Chinese institutions, including collaborations from Tsinghua University that span fields such as geometric analysis, quantum theory, large AI models, and computer vision.

Conclusion

The ICFS 2026 serves not only as a platform for sharing groundbreaking research but also as a venue for fostering international collaboration among scientists. With the convergence of innovative ideas and multi-disciplinary engagement, such events hold the promise of fostering discoveries that can propel humanity into a prosperous future. As Tsinghua University and its partners continue to champion the cause of fundamental research, the global scientific community stands to benefit greatly from the insights generated at such important gatherings.