Editor's Note

On the afternoon of February 23, the 16th Great Wall Friendship Award Ceremony and Symposium was held at the Shougang Park. A total of 15 foreign nationals representing diverse sectors including economy, finance, science and technology, education, medical and healthcare, culture, and sports, won the award.

The Great Wall Friendship Award stands as the only and most prestigious honor bestowed by Beijing Municipality upon foreign nationals in the city. During its 16 sessions, a total of 221 individuals from 32 countries have received this accolade.

Who are they? What outstanding contributions have they made to Beijing? What do they think about Beijing? What advice do they have for Beijing's high-quality development? Let's have a look.

Huairou Science City is becoming a magnet for global scientists

Nestled beneath the meandering Hefangkou Great Wall, Yanqi Lake Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (BIMSA) is situated within a technology park permeated with a distinct industrial ambiance. In 2022, the world-renowned mathematician and physicist Sergio Cecotti joined this new R&D institute as a full-time research fellow.

For Cecotti, who is over 60 years old, venturing into a different country, rebuilding relationships, and starting a new life undoubtedly poses a significant challenge. What excited him, however, is the limitless potential of BIMSA. "Professor Shing-Tung Yau initiated its establishment and serves as the inaugural president, bringing together outstanding mathematicians and physicists. I believe the institute will undoubtedly emerge as one of the world-leading research institutions in the fields of mathematics and physics. As a part of this endeavor, I feel privileged."

In the Huairou Science City where BIMSA is located, new-type R&D institutions, high-level research universities, and leading high-tech enterprises are gathering at a faster pace. Recently, Cecotti met a scientist friend from his university days by chance. He thought that it was magical to meet a long-lost friend in a science city abroad and this experience aptly illustrated the increasing allure of Huairou Science City to scientists worldwide. "It is becoming a magnet for scientists."

Beijing's conducive environment for technological innovation also left a deep impression on Cecotti. "Government departments place great importance on and strongly support scientific research. Platforms such as 'three science cities and one demonstration area' boast a scale rarely seen in other countries."

"The Chinese government tends to establish long-term goals and strategic plans and keeps policies consistent. For example, Huairou Science City aspires to become a 'century-old science city', a vision that is challenging to conceive in many countries." Cecotti views this as a unique advantage.

Another aspect that impressed him is the emphasis on science and respect for scientists throughout society in Beijing. At the opening ceremony of last year's Beijing International Film Festival, Cecotti and five other scientists were invited to walk the red carpet. "It was an incomparable experience. We were as popular as movie stars, enjoying everyone’s appreciation and welcome."

In Huairou Science City, Cecotti enjoys working with mathematicians and physicists from around the world. He considers it to be a great honor to receive the 16th Beijing Great Wall Friendship Award. However, what gives him the greatest sense of achievement is mentoring a group of talented young individuals. "I hope to contribute to the development of the next generation of Chinese scientists, helping them grow into globally competitive technological talents."