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2026 World Laureates Forum: Leading a Paradigm Shift

In an exciting announcement, the 2026 World Laureates Forum (WLF) is set to take place at the Lingang Center in Shanghai from October 30 to November 1. This prestigious event, themed "New Science Paradigm Breakthrough for the Next Decade," promises to bring together some of the most prominent minds in science and technology.

An Insightful Press Conference

The recent press conference held on October 22 showcased a stellar lineup of speakers, including WU Xiaohua, Chairman of the World Laureates Foundation, who provided a comprehensive overview of the upcoming forum. This year's event has intensified its focus on scientific innovation, engaging approximately 33 award-winning scientists such as Nobel laureates and Turing Award winners. Highlights from the event will include panel discussions that address critical issues in global science and technology, including international collaboration, research paradigms, and talent development.

Key Highlights of the Forum

The forum incorporates a structured format titled "1+6+4+1," which includes a main ceremony combined with six parallel forums, four themed events, and a closing ceremony. The main forum will commence on the morning of October 31 and will feature notable speakers, including WAN Gang and Randy W. Schekman.

The six parallel forums will delve into diverse topics, such as future semiconductors, biomedicine, aerospace information, artificial intelligence, future energy, and quantum science. This approach will pave the way for impactful discussions concerning the forefront of scientific research poised to shape the future.

Introduction of the 2026 WLF Prize

One of the most anticipated moments will occur at the opening ceremony, where the 2026 WLF Prize laureates will be introduced. Notably, SHAO Feng will become the first Chinese national to receive this prestigious acknowledgment.

The opening ceremony will enhance its prestige this year, taking place at the Summit Grand Ballroom and accommodating double the number of attendees compared to previous years. Keynote speeches will be presented by esteemed scientists, bridging the gap between academia and industry by featuring prominent figures like ZENG Yuqun, alongside acclaimed Nobel laureates.

Engaging Themed Events

This year, four themed events will highlight various aspects of scientific inquiry and innovation. The Young Scientists Forum aims to engage the next generation of scientists, while the SHE Forum will illuminate the influential roles of women in science and technology. Furthermore, the Future Scientists Forum will inspire young minds to pursue careers in science, and the World Top-Performing Incubator Conference will foster the commercialization of deep-tech research results.

Participants can also look forward to a rich selection of side events, encompassing science and technology tours, which will showcase Shanghai's prominent research facilities and tech enterprises. The WLF HUB will operate as a communal space for researchers to share insights and foster collaboration across disciplines.

Building a Legacy

As the forum prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, attendees can anticipate the unveiling of significant outcomes at the closing ceremony, highlighting the event's evolution into a permanent platform for international cooperation in science and technology. This process is in alignment with Shanghai's vision of becoming a global center for innovation.

The establishment of international partnerships will further enhance scientific talent development and industry collaboration in the region, ensuring that the insights gained during the forum will resonate well into the future. With the bustling atmosphere of Shanghai as the backdrop, the 2026 World Laureates Forum promises to inspire scientific minds and foster innovation that aligns with the needs of tomorrow.

Join us from October 30 to November 1 for a unique opportunity to witness the confluence of scientific excellence and pioneering ideas as we embark on a new decade of exploration and discovery.