World's leading thinkers share knowledge

Top scientists from around the world, including 26 Nobel laureates, have discussed and exchanged their latest research — some as yet unpublished — at the World Laureates Forum in Shanghai.

The topics covered both ends of science — fundamental research and innovative application to industrialization — with subjects ranging from atoms on Earth, dark matter in the universe, new drug development to the possibility of a real quantum computer.

“The future of many science and industries are here at this forum,” said Wang Hou, general secretary of the World Laureates Association.

Another highlight was the desire to give young scientists around the world more space to develop, to value basic scientific research more and to encourage more international collaboration in science.

“I had most of the research work for my Nobel work done before the age of 25,” said Michael Levitt, winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry. But young scientists today, he added, are not getting the independence in terms of funds and other conditions he enjoyed.

His comments resonated with other scientists, as well as the forum, which will conclude this afternoon with a session for young Chinese scientists to share the discussion table with Nobel laureates. 

The three-day event, which started on Monday, is part of the city government’s efforts to create a world-class environment for scientific and technological innovations in Shanghai. 

A science community with such aim was announced on the first day of the forum. 

Some of the laureates have been visiting China and working with top Chinese scientists and researchers since the 1980s, while others, new to the country, have noticed progress in their fields from their Chinese counterparts.  The top brains from all over the world have been excited to hear about the latest discoveries as it is increasingly important to cooperate with each other across the fields and sub-fields.

The top brains from all over the world have been excited to hear about the latest discoveries as it is increasingly important to cooperate with each other across the fields and sub-fields.