Shaw Prize 2025 Ceremony: Celebrating 22 Years of Scientific Excellence

On October 22, 2025, the Shaw Prize celebrated its 22nd annual award ceremony at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This prestigious event brought together approximately 600 guests from various sectors, including academia, industry, and the scientific community, to honor the remarkable achievements of four distinguished laureates.

During the ceremony, Professor Kenneth Young, Chairman of the Shaw Prize Council, expressed his profound sorrow over the recent passing of Professor Chen-ning Yang, a founding member instrumental in shaping the Shaw Prize since its inception. Professor Young highlighted Professor Yang's significant contributions to the award's development and his enduring impact on the global scientific community. On behalf of the Shaw Prize Foundation, he offered heartfelt condolences to Professor Yang's family, friends, and colleagues worldwide.

The 2025 Shaw Prize recipients, Professor John Richard Bond, Professor George Efstathiou, Professor Wolfgang Baumeister, and Professor Kenji Fukaya, were presented their awards by jury chair Professor Reinhard Genzel. Each laureate received a prize of $1.2 million, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field of science.

In reflecting on their achievements, Professors Bond and Efstathiou, renowned for their studies on fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background, shared memories of their long-standing friendship and collaboration. They emphasized the personal and intellectual connections that have shaped their work and celebrated the expansive network of collaborators that has contributed to their success.

Professor Wolfgang Baumeister, recognized for his pioneering work in cryo-electron tomography, shared his journey in visualizing cellular structures in their natural environment. In his acceptance speech, he underscored the inclusive nature of scientific advancements and advocated for a borderless scientific community.

Professor Kenji Fukaya, whose work spans Riemann geometry, symplectic geometry, and gauge theory, reflected on the often solitary nature of mathematical work. He acknowledged the rare but meaningful recognition that accompanies such endeavors and expressed gratitude to his collaborators and family for their unwavering support throughout his mathematical journey.

The 2025 Shaw Prize ceremony not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that drives scientific innovation. As this significant event unfolded, attendees left with a renewed sense of inspiration and commitment to further excellence in the field of science. The legacy of the Shaw Prize is now stronger than ever, continuing to foster a culture of research and discovery that transcends geographical boundaries and academic disciplines.

As the Shaw Prize looks to the future, it remains dedicated to honoring those who push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding, ensuring that the journey of innovation and discovery continues for generations to come.