The 2024 World Laureates Forum (2024 WLA Forum) commences Friday at the permanent site of the 2024 WLA Forum in Shanghai.

The 2024 WLA Forum takes "Excellence in Science" as its annual theme. Nearly 300 scientists from around 20 countries and regions gather in Shanghai, including 11 Nobel laureates, over 40 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and about 100 outstanding young scientists.

The opening ceremony was divided into two parts. The first part was the award ceremony for the WLA Prize, and the second part consisted of keynote speeches. Five world leading scientists, including three Nobel laureates and academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, shared the latest global developments in the fields of life sciences, physical sciences and intelligent sciences.

The two winners of the 2024 World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize), Professor Jon Kleinberg from Cornell University and Professor Jeremy Nathans from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, received their awards for their ground-breaking achievements in computer science or mathematics and life science or medicine at the opening ceremony of the 2024 WLA Forum.

They hold esteemed positions in the global academic community. Over the years, they have fostered deep connections with China's scientific community by cultivating outstanding Chinese students and collaborating with Chinese research institutions. This is their first visit to Shanghai, and during their stay, they will participate in a variety of academic reports and exchange activities.

This forum not only invites the award winners to visit universities, research institutions and middle schools, bringing a scientific feast of global excellence to more researchers and young scholars, but also, for the first time, opens to the public. Professional audiences from universities and research institutions can register to attend in person.

(Cover via the 2024 World Laureates Forum)