International Congress of Basic Sciences 2025 Kicks Off in Beijing, Highlighting Global Collaboration

International Congress of Basic Sciences 2025: A Platform for Global Collaboration

The International Congress of Basic Sciences 2025 (ICBS) officially commenced on July 13, 2025, at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. This prestigious event has brought together some of the most influential minds in the scientific community, including four Fields Medal winners, three Nobel Prize laureates, and two Turing Award recipients, among whom are prominent figures like Shing-Tung Yau and Andrew Chi-Chih Yao.

Li Luming, the president of Tsinghua University, warmly welcomed the global scientific community at the opening ceremony. He emphasized that the ICBS has evolved into an essential platform for scientists to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, showcasing Tsinghua University’s commitment to advancing fundamental science. The institution aims to support Professor Yau's initiatives to foster global scientific partnerships.

Shing-Tung Yau, who serves as the president of ICBS and is also a celebrated Fields Medalist, highlighted the recent breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, and information science. He expressed optimism about entering a new epoch spurred by theoretical advancements and innovative technologies.

During the congress, six pioneering scientists received the prestigious Basic Sciences Career Award 2025, recognizing their outstanding contributions to fundamental science. The laureates include renowned figures such as Samuel C.C. Ting, Steven Chu, David Gross, Robert Tarjan, Shigefumi Mori, and George Lusztig.

In addition, the congress awarded 118 Frontiers of Science Awards (FSA) in disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and information sciences, with winners hailing from over 20 countries. Among the recipients were OpenAI, known for their leadership in artificial intelligence, and the FAIR team from Meta.

First initiated by Shing-Tung Yau in 2023, the ICBS is celebrated annually under the theme “Advancing Science for Humanity.” Over the next two weeks, approximately 1,000 scholars and students, including more than 400 distinguished scientists, will participate in the congress at the Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Applications in Beijing. The agenda includes over 500 sessions that cover cutting-edge topics in mathematics, physics, information sciences, and engineering, focusing particularly on AI research, interdisciplinary innovation, and leading theoretical advancements.

The ICBS places a strong emphasis on youth participation through various activities, including the special event “Tsinghua Day” held on July 19. This initiative aims to engage young minds in vital scientific discussions and encourage the next generation of scientists.

As Yau aptly stated, “Science thrives on collaboration.” The ICBS 2025 represents a global celebration of international cooperation and academic exchange, marking a new chapter in scientific discovery and innovation. The ongoing conversations and collaborations at this congress are set to lay the groundwork for future advancements that promise to benefit humanity as a whole.