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Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 World Laureates Foundation Prize Announcement in Shanghai

On September 10, 2026, the Lingang Center in Shanghai was the prestigious venue for the announcement of the 2026 World Laureates Foundation Prize (WLF Prize). This event marked the fifth year since the prize's inception in 2021, and it celebrated 11 exceptional scientists whose work has made significant contributions to their fields. Notably, this year's event saw the introduction of the inaugural WLF Prize for Young Scientists, showcasing emerging talents in the scientific community.

The prize, which aims to recognize outstanding achievements in various scientific domains, has gained international recognition. WU Xiaohua, Chairman of WLF, stated during the press conference that this year's nominations reached an unprecedented level in both quantity and quality. Researchers from prestigious universities and research institutions across the globe participated, emphasizing the prize's commitment to fostering global academic collaboration. Countries represented among the nominees included China, the USA, the UK, France, and Germany.

Honors and Achievements

The awards were divided into three distinct categories:

• - WLF Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics
• - WLF Prize in Life Science or Medicine
• - WLF Prize for Young Scientists

Computer Science or Mathematics

Ingrid Daubechies, a renowned figure at Duke University, was honored for her groundbreaking work in applied harmonic analysis and wavelet theory. Her contributions to image compression and leadership within the mathematics community earned her a prestigious recognition along with a prize of RMB 10 million.

Life Science or Medicine

The Life Science or Medicine category gathered extraordinary talent, with four laureates including Yuan Junying and Wang Xiaodong from China, and Vishva Dixit of Genentech, USA. These scientists made pivotal advancements in understanding molecular pathways related to programmed cell death, sharing the prize fund of RMB 10 million.

Inaugural Young Scientists Award

In a historic first, five laureates were awarded in the Young Scientists category, receiving RMB 1 million each. Among the winners were Raphaële Juliette Clément, recognized for her significant discoveries in next-generation energy materials, and Chen Peining, whose work on flexible electronic devices signals a transformative shift in technological capabilities. Each of these young winners embodies the future potential of their respective fields, symbolizing a vibrant and promising future for scientific innovation.

Ten additional young researchers were named finalists, highlighting the depth of talent and potential among emerging scientists.

Five Years of Progress

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the WLF Prize, its esteemed reputation continues to grow. Over the past four years, the prize has acknowledged 12 incredible scientists, exemplifying a commitment to innovation and excellence in research. 2026 stands out particularly as it marks the first occasion that scientists of Chinese descent have been celebrated in the award's history.

The establishment of the Young Scientists category is also a progressive step, reflecting the WLF's focus on nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. By positioning itself as an advocate for youth in research, the foundation aligns with Shanghai’s ambition to be a hub for young talent and innovation.

As we look forward, the upcoming World Laureates Forum, scheduled from October 30 to November 1 at the Lingang Center, will further accentuate these achievements. Under the theme “New Science Paradigm Break Through for the Next Decade,” the forum will host discussions with laureates and industry leaders, laying the groundwork for future scientific advancements.

In a world where scientific innovation is vital, the WLF Prize signifies not just the honor bestowed upon these distinguished individuals, but also the enduring commitment to advance research, inspire future scientists, and ultimately contribute to meaningful global progress. This year’s event at the Lingang Center is not just a celebration, but a statement of hope and dedication toward a brighter, scientifically enriched future.

The journey of the WLF Prize is a testament to the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As the 2026 laureates prepare to engage with the international community, their contributions will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and inspire the scientists of tomorrow.