On July 14, the 2024 International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) kicked off in Beijing, presenting the Basic Science Lifetime Awards (BSLA) and Frontiers of Science Awards (FSA). Over the next two weeks, more than 800 scholars from around the world will gather at Huairou Science City to engage in academic discussions and exchanges on three major fields of basic science: mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer and information science.

On July 14, Fields Medalist Edward Witten received the BSLA at the 2024 ICBS opening ceremony and award ceremony. (Photo by Wang Haixin from Beijing Daily)

Six outstanding scientists were awarded the 2024 BSLA. A total of 139 basic science papers from universities, research institutions, and enterprises in more than 20 countries and regions, were selected for the FSA.

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Turing Award Winner and Professor at Tsinghua University, was among the 2024 BSLA winners. “Breakthroughs in basic science serve as the source of new technological advancements and the driver for improving human life,” said Andrew. Over the past half-century, he has made fundamental contributions to theoretical computer science in multiple areas, and spawned new fields such as modern cryptography, communication complexity, and quantum computing alongside many scientists. “This discipline is of tremendous vitality! Today we are witnessing the blossoming results of artificial intelligence (AI) and interdisciplinary research.”

According to ICBS Chairman, Fields Medalist Shing-Tung Yau, with the rapid development of AI, the integration and interaction among the three basic scientific fields are expected to bring more exciting breakthroughs. “In the 21st century, basic science will be empowered by the mutual understanding and impact of mathematics, physics, and AI.”

This year’s ICBS provides a platform for scientists in disciplines such as mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer and information science to exchange ideas. “Breaking the boundaries of knowledge is crucial for humanity and is our shared goal,” stated Alexei Kitaev, 2024 BSLA Winner and Professor at the California Institute of Technology. Leslie Gabriel Valiant, 2024 BSLA Winner and Professor at Harvard University, said, “Science shares the same content and value across the world, therefore let us promote science as a force for fostering harmony and peace.”

The congress will continue until July 26, featuring over 500 plenary reports, academic sessions, and satellite meetings. Among the 800 participating scientists are four Fields Medalists, three Turing Award winners, as well as many recipients of prestigious international awards such as the Shaw Prize, Wolf Prize, and Breakthrough Prize. These scientists will visit locations such as the Yanqi Lake International Conference Resort, China (Huairou) Film and Television Base, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Mutianyu Great Wall. In addition, a series of events will take place, including special salons like Evening of Mathematics, Evening of Physics and Evening of Computer Science, High School and College Students Academic Poster Exhibition, and Face-to-Face with Scientists.