Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 Inspires the Next Generation of Scientists
Bringing together top global minds to mentor, inspire, and cultivate young scientists in a cross-generational exchange of ideas
The Hong Kong Laureate Forum (HKLF) is on a mission to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders by fostering collaboration between established laureates and emerging researchers. At its heart lies a vision to create a global platform where knowledge, mentorship, and innovation converge — inspiring young minds and advancing science for the common good.
“Hong Kong possesses a unique resource — a network of Shaw Prize laureates whose achievements represent the highest levels of scientific excellence,” Professor Timothy Tong, Chairman of the Council of the HKLF, told the media on the sidelines of the 2025 Hong Kong Laureate Forum.
“The Forum allows us to bring these laureates together with young scientists, so they can share ideas, experiences, and inspiration. We hope this will encourage more young people to pursue science, in Hong Kong and around the world.”
Tong added that the Foru m’s vision extends well beyond the city.
“Our focus is not limited to Hong Kong,” he said. “Many of our participants come from overseas. We aim to promote scientific exchange that benefits the global community.”
The HKLF invites Shaw Laureates to express interest in participating, ensuring a balanced representation across the three Shaw Prize disciplines — Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences.
Tong said this year’s four-day programme gives young scientists the chance to sit alongside laureates during meals and discussions, fostering meaningful, face-to-face exchanges.
“We want our young scientists to have genuine opportunities for exchange,” Tong said. “In today’s world, society expects researchers to go beyond publishing papers. They must also translate their discoveries into practical applications that benefit people.”
Asked about balancing fundamental and applied research, Tong stressed the importance of both.
“We try to provide a balance between presenting fundamental work and translational science,” he said, citing Professor Francis Chan, former Dean of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as an example of a leader whose medical research has made a real-world impact.
Tong brings more than three decades of experience in academia and leadership to his role as HKLF Chairman.
Before leading the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as President from 2009 to 2018, he was Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at the George Washington University. A specialist in heat transfer and energy efficiency, Tong also serves as CEO of the AMTD Foundation and is a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering.
Global Meeting of Minds
On November 5, the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 officially opened at the Hong Kong Science Park under the theme “Meeting of Inspirational Minds.”
Organised by the HKLF and sponsored by the Lee Shau Kee Foundation in partnership with The Shaw Prize Foundation, the Forum brings together 12 Shaw Laureates and more than 200 exceptional young scientists from over 20 countries and regions.
Tong said the Forum connects scientists across generations and disciplines, igniting curiosity and creativity through mentorship and collaboration.
KK Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said the Forum demonstrates how Hong Kong is advancing its innovation ecosystem by linking technology with talent and industry.
Colin Lam, Vice Chairman of Henderson Land Group and Director of the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, noted that the event unites brilliant minds from around the world and encourages collaboration that fuels future breakthroughs.
Raymond Chan, Chair of The Shaw Prize Foundation, remarked that scientific research is a relay across generations and the Forum ensures that knowledge is passed forward to new leaders.
Professor Kenneth Young, board member of the HKLF, and Choi Yuk-lin, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education, also attended the opening ceremony of the Forum.
From Black Holes to Biological Intelligence
Forum 2025 showcases the pinnacle of scientific achievement by celebrating the awardees of The Shaw Prize. Key highlights include:
Astronomy: Nobel Laureate Reinhard Genzel delivers a keynote on massive black holes and cosmic evolution.
Life Science and Medicine: Professors Kazutoshi Mori and Peter Walter discuss “Biological Intelligence” and how life sciences inspire new discoveries.
Mathematical Sciences: Professor George Lusztig explores unipotent representations in modern mathematics.
These sessions reflect the Forum’s cross-disciplinary spirit, linking astronomy, life sciences, and mathematics to expand humanity’s understanding of the universe.
The programme also includes school dialogues and the “Power of Science” forum at the Hong Kong Science Museum, designed to inspire students and engage the wider community.
Forum 2025 underscores Hong Kong’s growing stature as a hub for innovation and technology. By convening world-class scientists and young researchers, it reinforces the city’s role as a bridge between East and West — a place where global collaboration can flourish for the benefit of all.
This year’s Forum concluded on November 8, marking the close of four days of cross-generational scientific exchange.
