The first Young Scientist SDGs Award Ceremony was held at the opening ceremony of the World Young Scientist Summit 2023 (WYSS) Saturday in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province.
Prof. Henry Snaith from Oxford University, Prof. Xiongwen (David) Lou from City University of Hong Kong, Prof. Qiang Zhang from Tsinghua University won one million RMB prize in recognition of their contribution in the areas of perovskite-based photovoltaic cells (PSCs), synthesis and application of nanostructured materials, lithium-sulfur batteries advanced energy materials.
The Award was jointly initiated by WYSS and the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), with the goal to acknowledge young scientists who have made innovative achievements and outstanding contributions to the implementation of one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through natural science research or applied engineering technology, to inspire adherence to principles while fostering innovation and free exploration, and to encourage young scientists to take on important roles that prepare them to lead the way toward our sustainable future.
This year, seven out of 17 SDGs were chosen as application areas to invite world-wide applications from March. The award has attracted candidates from 35 countries whose applications went through review process from a committee composed of 11 internationally renowned experts.
Prof. GUO Huadong, CBAS Director-General and CAS Academician extended his congratulations on the ceremony. He made the remarks that the year 2023 marks the mid-term evaluation year of the SDGs, yet the implementation of the 2030 Agenda faces serious challenges. As a new driving force in the development of S&T innovation, young scientists are the backbone of S&T driven sustainable development. He also expressed his hope that through this Award, more young scientists can be encouraged to foster innovation in the field of sustainable development and jointly build a better, prosperous and sustainable future.
Hartmut Michel, 1988 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Joseph H. Taylor Jr., 1993 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics, Shuwei, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of China Association of Science and Technology, Lushan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province presented the Award to the three winners.
The Award accepts individual nomination and organization nominations. The Executive Committee of WYSS and CBAS adopted a review process combining "data analysis review" and "back-to-back expert review" to ensure the fairness and credibility. In the coming future each year, up to five winners around the world will be awarded in recognition of their outstanding achievements in scientific research fields.
The award ceremony of Young Scientist SDGs Award.