Beijing Hosts International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) with Global Participation

Beijing Hosts International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) with Global Participation
Image credit: CGTN

The International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) kicked off in Beijing on Sunday, welcoming over 800 scientists and scholars from around the world. This prestigious event focuses on three main branches of basic science: mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer and information sciences.

Event Highlights and Participation

Over the next two weeks, the congress will feature more than 500 academic reports and satellite meetings, showcasing cutting-edge achievements in basic science and discussing the future of fundamental research. Distinguished participants include four Fields Medal winners, three Turing Award winners, one Nobel laureate, and over 70 academicians from various countries.

Keynote Speakers and Insights

Shing-Tung Yau, a renowned mathematician and chairman of the ICBS, emphasized the importance of basic science, stating, "Basic science is the cornerstone of humanity's quest to explore the unknown, providing the fundamental theories and methods to understand natural phenomena and solve real-world problems."

Andrew Wiles from Oxford University, one of the 2024 Basic Science Lifetime Award winners, reflected on the growth of Chinese contributions to his field, saying, "When I was young, I did not know any Chinese people in my branch of number theory. Now, there are so many Chinese scientists working on the problems that I work on."

History of International Congress of Basic Science 
Image credit: ICBS

Historical Context

The inaugural ICBS was held in Beijing last year, establishing a foundation for ongoing international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the realm of basic science.

By bringing together some of the world's most brilliant minds, the ICBS aims to foster collaboration, inspire new discoveries, and advance the field of basic science globally.