49 young scientists awarded 2024 Xplorer Prize

Forty-nine young scientists were awarded this year's Xplorer Prize, a science award initiated by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation of Tencent and some renowned scientists – to encourage talents working on fundamental science and disruptive technologies.

The award list was announced in Beijing on Monday.

Ranging from quantum studies to RNA research, these 49 prize-winners have made significant strides in diverse fields.

Their groundbreaking researches not only showcase broad scientific interest, but also address crucial societal and economic needs.

"During the review process, international and younger reviewers were involved to better understand cutting-edge global developments. The final decisions for the award are based entirely on the originality of research and academic merit – which form the funding philosophy and commitment of the prize," said Pan Jianwei, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Each prize-winner will be awarded 420,000 U.S. dollars over five years by Tencent's foundation.

The awardees will also have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary symposia.

"More than the prize, the 'Young Scientists 50² Forum' is organized each year to invite recipients of the Xplorer award for academic exchanges. This platform encourages future collaborations," Pan said.

Wang Wurong, chairperson of the New Cornerstone Science Foundation, also said that this year's review process saw stricter measures so as to avoid conflicts of interest.

"The award is a private one. We have made sure the selection process is led by scientists and involves public voting. We have a supervisory committee that guides us and assists us. There is also a mechanism in place – allowing the scientists to make the key decisions," Wang said.

Among the 49 award recipients this year, representing 28 different institutions across 13 cities including Hong Kong, 10 institutions had winners for the first time. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in female recipients, with seven women awarded this year compared to three last year.

49 young scientists awarded 2024 Xplorer Prize

China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Friday urged political advisors to intensify research and consultation to offer valuable suggestions for advancing the cause of people with disabilities.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made these remarks while presiding over a biweekly consultation session of the national committee.

Wang underlined that ensuring a happy and fulfilling life for people with disabilities is an essential requirement for promoting Chinese modernization.

He called upon political advisors to focus on the new situations and challenges in advancing the cause for such individuals while urging more targeted and practical proposals based on thorough investigations and research.

Democratic oversight should be strengthened to ensure the effective implementation of policies supporting those with disabilities, Wang noted.

Several national political advisors also made their remarks during the session. They called for efforts to create unobstructed career development pathways for people with disabilities, advance research and application of assistive technologies, and enhance the quality of public services to continuously improve their quality of life.

China's top political advisor stresses boosting services for people with disabilities