Tengchong Scientists Forum 2024 spotlights tech-driven development

The Tengchong Scientists Forum 2024 kicked off Friday in Tengchong City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, bringing together over a thousand leading experts from around the world, including 120 academicians and 59 university deans.

The event, centered around the theme "Science – Global Innovation, and the Mission of Scientists: Empowering High-Quality Development," fostered deep discussions on the forefront of scientific innovation.

This year's forum features a comprehensive program including an opening ceremony, keynote speeches, 11 parallel forums, and nine special events. Building upon the successful format of previous years, which included dedicated sessions for university deans and young scientists, the 2024 edition introduces new tracks focused on biodiversity and modern agriculture, life sciences and health, and the intersection of technology and finance.

Additionally, a series of events, such as a symposium on international intellectual property innovation cooperation in South Asia and Southeast Asia, will also be held.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Xue Qikun of Tsinghua University and Prof. Xie Xiaoliang, head of the Changping Laboratory, were honored with the Tengchong Science Award 2024.

The announcement of the Tengchong Scientists Forum development fund and a Yunnan provincial fund for the development of traditional Chinese medicine marks a significant step towards facilitating technology transfer and commercialization.

Experts attending the forum emphasized the critical role of innovation in driving development. They highlighted the Tengchong Scientists Forum as a unique platform connecting scientists, educators and entrepreneurs, fostering the integration of science, technology and practical applications.

Initiated by renowned academicians Gu Binglin, Xu Zhihong and Rao Zhe, the Tengchong Scientists Forum is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and exchange in scientific innovation. This year's event, co-hosted by the Yunnan Provincial People's Government and the China Association for Science and Technology, will run until December 8.