Shaw Prize laureates share beautiful minds

A world-class academic forum that will see more than 20 top scientists engage with over 200 young scientists from different countries will be held in November at the Hong Kong Science Park after the event was postponed for two years due to the pandemic.

The first Hong Kong Laureate Forum will take place from November 13 to 18, when more than 20 Shaw Prize winners will meet with the young scientists from 34 countries and regions.

The Council of HKLF was established in 2019 and has organized activities to attract more than 1,000 scientists to the network.

The Shaw laureates in astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical science will share their knowledge with young scientists, said Timothy Tong Wai-cheung, council chairman in a kick-off ceremony yesterday.

"Hundreds of local middle school students will have a chance to be in dialogue with some Shaw laureates, and more youths will be involved with the livestream of the event," Tong said.

During the six-day event, participants will attend seminars, discussions, visit science facilities, universities and a sightseeing boat trip.

"The SAR government is fully behind the hosting of the HKLF in November. The forum offers an opportunity to showcase the advances in innovation and technology here in Hong Kong," said Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong.

He said the ecosystem for innovation was established with the development of Cyberport, the Science Park and public-funded research facilities.

The forum is sponsored by Lee Shau Kee Foundation and its director Colin Lam Ko-yin said: "Dr Lee believes that education is the foundation of progress, and we believe that the forum will foster the synergy between education and innovation.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Shaw Prize, known as the "Nobel of the East," founded by Run Run Shaw to recognize distinguished scientists.

Shaw Prize council chairman Kenneth Young Gong-hoi said: "We are proud to be the partner of HKLF, and we hope the week-long gathering of the great minds can ignite young scholars' scientific enthusiasm."