Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the announcement of the 2025 "Scientific Exploration Award," recognizing 50 young scientists across various fields, with a focus on their significant research contributions in life sciences and medical sciences [2][47]. Life Sciences - Five young scientists were awarded in the life sciences category, including Mao Yafei, Xu Tongda, Xue Yuanchao, Yan Zhen, and Zhu Shujia [3][4]. - Mao Yafei's research published in Nature discusses the complete genome assembly of a macaque, revealing genetic differences with humans and providing a genetic basis for biomedical models [7]. - Xu Tongda's study in Nature uncovers a new mechanism of auxin signaling in plants, which is crucial for understanding plant growth and development [10]. - Xue Yuanchao's research in Nature identifies the principles of enhancer-promoter selectivity, linking non-coding variations to gene expression regulation [14]. - Yan Zhen's work in Cell explores the mechanisms of chloroplast protein import, potentially enhancing crop yields and carbon fixation [18]. - Zhu Shujia's research in Cell reveals the structure of NMDA receptors, providing insights for developing new drugs for neurological disorders [20]. Medical Sciences - Five young scientists were recognized in the medical sciences category, including Li Wei, Lin Xianfeng, Shu Yilai, Xu Heping, and Zhou Qing [4][5]. - Li Wei's research in Cell presents a novel gene therapy for autosomal recessive deafness, demonstrating safety and efficacy in clinical trials [23]. - Lin Xianfeng's study in Nature introduces a plant-derived photosynthetic system that enhances cellular metabolism, showing promise for treating degenerative diseases [27]. - Shu Yilai's research in The Lancet reports on a gene therapy trial for hearing loss, indicating significant improvements in patients [31]. - Xu Heping's work in Science reveals the role of neuromedin U in regulating intestinal immunity, providing new insights into immune system interactions [35]. - Zhou Qing's research in Nature identifies a molecular mechanism behind a dominant autoinflammatory disease, guiding clinical treatment strategies [38]. Frontier Interdisciplinary - Six scientists were awarded in the frontier interdisciplinary category, including Zhang Jiayi and Zhao Fangqing [5]. - Zhang Jiayi's research in Science develops a retinal nanoprosthesis that restores vision in blind models, showcasing advancements in visual prosthetics [41]. - Zhao Fangqing's study in Cell introduces a new framework for high-resolution spatial proteomics, enhancing tissue analysis capabilities [44].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 "Science Exploration Award" highlights the importance of encouraging originality and rewarding young scientists in China, with a focus on innovative research in various fields [2][4]. Group 1: Award Overview - The "Science Exploration Award" was established in 2018 by prominent scientists and Tencent's founder, aimed at supporting young researchers in mainland China and Hong Kong [2]. - This year, the evaluation mechanism emphasizes originality, with questions focusing on the uniqueness and innovation of the applicants' work during the final review [4]. - A total of 50 young scientists were selected from 1,238 applicants, including 13 young scientists under the age of 35 for males and 38 for females, with 6 being from the post-90s generation [4]. Group 2: Award Recipients in Information Electronics - The award recipients in the information electronics category include: - Chang Yi from Jilin University, known for his extensive research and numerous publications in computer science [6][8]. - Du Bo from Wuhan University, recognized for his contributions to artificial intelligence and computer vision [10][12]. - Jiang Yugang from Fudan University, a leader in multimedia information processing and artificial intelligence [13]. - Li Wei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in micro-nano photonics and materials [14][16]. - Liao Qing from Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), focusing on data mining and artificial intelligence [19]. - Wu Jiamin from Tsinghua University, involved in optical computing and photonic intelligent computing [20].