This year’s Future Science Prize recognizes the achievements of three Chinese scientists

While it is celebrities and entrepreneurs that are usually in media spotlight, the Future Forum recently put the focus on scientists.

The forum, held in October in Beijing, brought together top scientists from around the world to share their enthusiasm for research and inspire upcoming scientists.

University of Science and Technology Beijing student Tan Zhiyang had been anticipating the forum for almost a year. He believed it would showcase the forefront of science.

“I am currently facing the pressure of choosing my field of study,” says the 19-year-old junior physics major who missed last year’s event. “I want to find out what those top scientists are thinking about.”

While listening to a variety of lectures on subjects ranging from astrophysics, quantum physics to computer science and artificial intelligence, Tan says he gained a better understanding of quantum physics and developed an interest in materials science.

Tan was especially intrigued by Yang Peidong’s research on artificial photosynthesis and Cui Yi’s presentation on the application of nanomaterials in new energy. He also paid attention to the obstacles those scientists are encountering.

“Getting to know the difficulties they are facing can be quite beneficial,” he says. “Our generation can take up those challenges.”

This year’s event also added a new session — Conversation Between Teenagers and the Future Science Prize Laureates. Students were invited to attend and talk face-toface with Shi Yigong, Pan Jianwei and Xu Chenyang, the winners of the 2017 Future Science Prize.