SHANGHAI, Oct. 31st (Xinhua News Agency) — Held under the theme “Science and Technology, for the Common Destiny of Mankind”, the 2nd World Laureates Association Forum (WLA Forum) was successfully concluded. On the forum, World Laureates Association (WLA) unveiled the WLA Joint International Laboratory Hub and WLA Science Community, and released the World Laureates Shanghai Initiative. From October 29th to October 31st, WLA Forum brought together the “best brains” in the world to Shanghai Lingang Dishui Lake. Nearly 70 laureates of Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Wolf Prize, Lasker Award, and Fields Medal, more than 10 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), as well as 100 outstanding young scientists worldwide, convened to exchange insights on the future of science.
How should we balance basic research and applied research? How to foster the scientific spirit of youth? Are human beings the highest life form on earth? Will humans be able to create creatures smarter than us? Do science and technology develop too fast and could it pose a threat to our society? Will science always lead to happiness? These creative topics stimulated inspirational discussion on the 2nd WLA Forum.
The scientific spirit goes far beyond the forum. At the closing ceremony, a joint action plan, Science and Technology, for the Common Destiny of Mankind - The 2nd World Laureates Association Forum Shanghai Initiative was released. The Initiative reaffirms that basic science research, a powerful engine of science remains as the current priority; the fundamental concept of openness, cooperation and the community of science and technology will pave the way for advancing science and technology; young scientists worldwide need more attention and support; and it is shared goal for us to build and maintain a healthy global scientific ecosystem. Besides, the initiative appeals to those technologies and scientists that are benefiting the future of humanity should take on more responsibilities. As a result, a better-organized scientific governance model will be in place.
In addition, WU Qing, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, and Michael Levitt, Vice-Chairman of WLA, unveiled the WLA Joint International Laboratory Hub. Administration and enterprises such as Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang special area Administration, Lingang Group and WLA have reached a series of agreements including WLA Science Community Project.It is said that the WLA Science Community will be dedicated to facilitating scientists’ interaction and communication, equipped with communication centers and labs. Meanwhile, the supporting and living facilities such as apartments will also be in place by then. On the other hand, it will be an ideal platform for cross-border scientific cooperation and project commercialization.