#China #Beijing #Tsinghua University #Basic Science #International Congress

The 2025 International Congress of Basic Science in Beijing

On July 13, 2025, the highly anticipated International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) officially opened its doors at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. This two-week event brings together some of the brightest minds in the scientific community, featuring four Fields Medalists, three Nobel Laureates, and two Turing Award winners. Among those honored are renowned figures like Shing-Tung Yau and Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, alongside more than 80 academics and nearly 1,000 researchers representing prestigious institutions worldwide.

Li Luming, the President of Tsinghua University, warmly welcomed attendees from around the globe. He emphasized that the ICBS has evolved into a leading platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue among scientists. Tsinghua University is committed to supporting Professor Shing-Tung Yau's ongoing efforts to advance fundamental science. The university aims to collaborate with scientists across nations to enhance basic research, stimulate scientific and technological innovation, promote socio-economic development, and collectively shape a brighter future for humanity.

As ICBS's president, Shing-Tung Yau, who is not only a Fields Medalist but also holds a position at Tsinghua University, highlighted recent breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, and information science. He suggested that we might be on the brink of a new era characterized by theoretical advancements and technological innovations.

The congress also celebrated six pioneering scientists — Samuel C.C. Ting, Steven Chu, David Gross, Robert Tarjan, Shigefumi Mori, and George Lusztig — each receiving the prestigious 2025 Basic Science Lifetime Award for their substantial contributions to fundamental science. Additionally, 118 Frontiers of Science Awards (FSA) were conferred across disciplines including mathematics, physics, and information science, recognizing winners from over 20 countries. Among the laureates are global leaders in AI, such as OpenAI and Meta’s FAIR team.

Initiated by Shing-Tung Yau in 2023, this congress occurs annually under the theme "Advancing Science for the Benefit of Humanity." Over the upcoming two weeks, nearly 1,000 researchers and students, including over 400 prominent scientists, will gather at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications in Beijing. The event features more than 500 sessions focusing on mathematics, physics, information science, and engineering. It places special emphasis on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary innovation, and groundbreaking theoretical progress.

Beyond its academic exchanges, ICBS aims to engage the youth through a variety of activities, including the special “Tsinghua Day” event that took place on July 19.

The 2025 ICBS underscores the significance of international collaboration and academic exchange in advancing global scientific progress. As Yau poignantly stated, “Science thrives on collaboration. This is where the next era of discoveries begins.”