Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a global innovation hub depend on continued support for universities and researchers, a gathering of the world’s most promising up-and-coming scientists has heard.

Calls for investment in science dominated the 2025 Hong Kong Laureate Forum, a four-day gathering that brings together 12 winners of the Shaw Prize – described as the “Nobel of the East” – and more than 200 exceptional young scientists from over 20 countries and regions.

Opening the event at the Hong Kong Science Park, Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, outlined the area’s ambitions in research and development.

“We are establishing an advanced [information and technology] system, integrating three major I&T parks and five key research institutes.

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“We’re doing so under the principle of promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology and attracting talent with industries.

“The goal is to grow our talent pool, boost innovation and support our country’s science and technology development.”

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He added that “talent drives technology” and pointed to a series of government policies designed to attract researchers.

“Hong Kong ranked first in Asia and fourth in the world in this year’s world talent ranking, and we topped the world in the graduates in science category,” he said.

“In September, we launched the HK$3 billion (£295 million) Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme…to help our publicly funded universities recruit top scientists and researchers to Hong Kong and to build the facilities they need to conduct breakthrough research.”

Timothy Tong, chairman of the forum council, said the event’s purpose was to connect scientific generations and show why long-term support mattered.

“This is a special gathering centred on nurturing future generations of scientists,” he said.

“Through connecting scientists across generations, cultures and disciplines…we aim to cultivate curiosity and ignite passion for science among the younger generations both in Hong Kong and in the international community.”

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Hong Kong’s universities have recently faced tighter finances and uncertain budgets, with several institutions being forced to draw on their reserves as public funding tightens.

Raymond Chan Wai-man, chair of The Shaw Prize Foundation, said the forum’s model showed how investment and mentorship could shape discovery.

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“If the Shaw Prize represents one summit of success, then this Hong Kong Laureate Forum can be seen as a base camp – a platform from which the next great expeditions to scientific discovery embark,” he said. “The forum ensures this torch is passed to capable hands.”

Among the scientists attending was Wolfgang Baumeister, the 2025 laureate in life science and medicine, who described how investment in advanced imaging had transformed molecular biology.

“The power of this technology is transforming our understanding of normal life processes and how they go awry in disease,” he said, discussing his work in cryogenic electron tomography.

Many speakers returned to the same message, that ambition requires resources.

Tong said the forum should “inspire, challenge and connect” young scientists, but that success depended on sustained support from government, industry and philanthropy.

Chan linked Hong Kong’s scientific aspirations to its wider identity.

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“Our city is also a rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange,” he said. “The good life is all around you. Enjoy it all.”

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com