#Hong Kong #international collaboration #Scientific Research #Shaw Prize

The Shaw Prize 2026 Ceremony: A Celebration of Scientific Excellence

On November 10, 2026, the Shaw Prize hosted its annual award presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year marked the 23rd edition of the prestigious awards, which celebrate significant contributions to humanity through scientific achievements in various fields. The event was attended by several distinguished laureates across three key categories: Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences.

The ceremony saw five laureates present to receive their gold medals and certificates from Professor Reinhard Genzel, the Chair of the Board of Adjudicators. Among the noteworthy attendees was Professor Ken'ichi Nomoto, a prominent figure in astronomy, who, along with other laureate Professor Stanford Woosley, sent pre-recorded messages due to their inability to attend in person. Nomoto's message focused on his extensive research in supernovae and the crucial role of global collaboration in scientific advancements. Similarly, Woosley expressed gratitude towards his mentors while highlighting the evolution of astronomical models from mere approximations to sophisticated predictive tools.

In the domain of Life Science and Medicine, the laureates underscored the collaborative ethos that underpin many breakthroughs, particularly in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia. Professor Anne Dejean emphasized the vital connection between fundamental research and clinical applications, made possible through long-standing scientific exchanges between France and China. This international partnership was illustrated by the interplay between Professor Hugues de Thé and Professor Zhu Chen, whose relationship spans over three decades, demonstrating the power of sustained dialogue and trust in the pursuit of medical progress. Chen framed their collaborative efforts as a testament to the synergy of Eastern and Western scientific philosophies, advocating for strengthened international efforts against blood cancers.

The discourse on the future role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was another highlight of the ceremony, especially from Mathematical Sciences laureates. Professor Emmanuel Candès shared how real-world inquiries beyond traditional mathematical problems inspire his research, which currently aims at enhancing the safety and efficacy of AI technologies. Complementing this, Professor Camillo De Lellis encouraged aspiring mathematicians to view AI as a facilitator of human creativity rather than a replacement. This innovative thinking is further illustrated by the newly announced Shaw Prize in Computer Science, which recognizes the field's deep intellectual contributions and transformative potential. Professor Kenneth Young, Chair of The Shaw Prize Council, noted that the introduction of this award underscores the Prize's ongoing commitment to celebrating outstanding achievements in the face of an ever-evolving scientific landscape.

Nominations for the next round of the Shaw Prize, inclusive of several categories, remain open until November 30, with the 2027 laureates expected to be announced in mid-2027. The Shaw Prize, established by Mr. Run Run Shaw in 2002, awards four annual prizes reflecting a total monetary value of about US$1.2 million each, recognizing individuals whose work profoundly impacts and improves human life.

The 2026 ceremony not only highlighted individual excellence but also emphasized the critical need for global cooperation in scientific exploration. As seen in the reflections of each laureate, the future of science relies on bridging cultural and disciplinary gaps, leading to innovations that could transform our understanding and approach to complex global challenges. The legacy of the Shaw Prize continues to inspire new generations of scientists, encouraging a united front in the quest for knowledge and discovery.