Scientists discuss future of science at World Laureates Forum

Roger Kornberg, chairman of the World Laureates Association (WLA) and winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, addresses the opening ceremony of the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)

SHANGHAI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline.

Themed "Science Forward: Create a Bright Future," the forum would host over 20 activities, focusing on topics such as sustainable development, food security, and gender equality in the scientific field.

At the opening ceremony, the World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize was awarded to two scientists. The 2022 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics went to American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, and German biochemist Dirk Grlich won the 2022 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine. Apart from a medal and certificate, each received a reward of 10 million yuan (about 1.38 million U.S. dollars).

Established in Shanghai, the WLA Prize aims to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for their contributions to science. It was the first time the awards took place.

Co-organized by the WLA and the China Association for Science and Technology, the forum aims to build a platform for high-level dialogue in the international scientific community.

American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, addresses the opening ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2022 shows the scene of the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)

American computer scientist Michael I. Jordan, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, addresses the awarding ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)

German biochemist Dirk Gorlich, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Life Science or Medicine, addresses the opening ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)

German biochemist Dirk Gorlich, winner of the 2022 World Laureates Association (WLA) Prize in Life Science or Medicine, addresses the awarding ceremony at the 5th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2022. The 5th World Laureates Forum kicked off Sunday in Shanghai, gathering 60 decorated scientists, including 27 Nobel Prize winners, at the two-day event online and offline. (Xinhua)