Scientists gather at forum for dialogues on technological innovation

To facilitate exchanges among young scientists in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and inspire young people's interest in and enthusiasm for scientific research, a key event named the 2022 Greater Bay Science Forum Distinguished Lectures was held at the same time in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao on July 30.

Bai Chunli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), chemist and expert in nanotechnology, Shing-Tung Yau, a CAS academician and internationally renowned mathematician and Andrew Yao, a CAS academician and computer science expert, gave lectures at the event. 

The event attracted more than 300 young scientists, university teachers and students and some 4,500 people watched the lectures online. 

Bai, also chairman of the Greater Bay Science Forum and chairman of the Alliance of International Science Organizations, Xu Dianhui, deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government, Rocky S Tuan, president of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Song Yonghua, rector of the University of Macau (UM), delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. 

The 2022 Greater Bay Science Forum Distinguished Lectures is held in Beijing. [Photo/gsf.org.cn]

Bai said the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy, adding that young talents and scientists should add their efforts to the development of the area. 

Xu noted that Guangdong will further carry out the innovation-driven development plan, boost technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area and provide strong support for the nation’s basic and cutting-edge research. 

The Greater Bay Science Forum will enhance scientific research, exchanges and cooperation with cities and academic organizations in the Greater Bay Area so as to build a highland for global science and technological innovation. 

Song said the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area gathers abundant international resources and is a hub for China’s dual-circulation development and the new pattern of all-round opening-up. 

Bai Chunli, chairman of the Greater Bay Science Forum and chairman of the Alliance of International Science Organizations, delivers a speech during the 2022 Greater Bay Science Forum Distinguished Lectures. [Photo/gsf.org.cn]

Bai gave a lecture on energy science with a carbon-neutral vision. He said he hopes that scientific research units, universities and enterprises can work together to reach peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. 

Shing-Tung Yau, a CAS academician and internationally renowned mathematician, gives a theme lecture at the 2022 Greater Bay Science Forum Distinguished Lectures. [Photo/gsf.org.cn]

Yau gave a lecture on the development of fundamental science in Hong Kong over the past 50 years. He said that science is a key supporter of people's well-being. He encourages young scientists to conduct research in their own ways, focusing on science and technology, industry and the digital economy. 

Andrew Yao, an academician of CAS and computer science expert, holds discussions with young scientists at the 2022 Greater Bay Science Forum Distinguished Lectures. [Photo/gsf.org.cn]

Yao gave a lecture on cross-field scientific and technological innovation, suggesting that young scientists should maintain a heart-felt curiosity and communicate with professors and scholars in other fields. 

The Distinguished Lectures is one of the special activities celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and promoting the innovative development in science and technology and exchanges of youth talents in the Greater Bay Area.