Core Insights - David Gross, a Nobel laureate, expressed concerns about the global reduction in basic science investment while recognizing China's strategic commitment to increasing its investment in this area [1][4] - The contrast between the global cooling of basic science and China's warming investment highlights a significant strategic choice made by China [1][4] Investment in Basic Science - China's investment in basic science is seen as essential for transitioning from a "big technology country" to a "strong technology country" [2] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" aims to increase the proportion of basic research in R&D funding to 8% [2] - The National Natural Science Foundation is increasing funding to promote original breakthroughs [2] Achievements in Basic Science - China has established several world-class research platforms, such as the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, supporting frontier scientific research [3] - The youth research workforce is becoming a driving force in innovation, with nearly 150,000 applications for the National Natural Science Foundation's youth projects in 2024 [3] - China is actively participating in major international scientific collaborations, contributing to projects like ITER and SKA [3] Challenges Ahead - China's basic science originality is characterized by strengths in areas like quantum physics, but weaknesses in foundational disciplines such as mathematics and theoretical physics [4] - The current project evaluation system favors applied research, necessitating a greater tolerance for the uncertainties of basic science exploration [4] - Despite leading in the number of publications, China still lacks Nobel-level achievements and theoretical influence in basic science [4] Strategic Importance - Investment in basic science is viewed as a strategic move for future technological positioning on the global stage [3][5] - The commitment to basic science reflects a nation's depth of civilization and historical perspective, as emphasized by Gross [4][5] - Long-term investment in basic science is crucial for breakthrough innovations and understanding the limits of human cognition [5]

Core Insights - The 2025 International Conference on Fundamental Sciences opened on July 13 in Beijing, focusing on "Focusing on Fundamental Sciences, Leading the Future of Humanity" [1] - The conference gathered nearly a thousand experts, including four Fields Medal winners, three Nobel Prize winners, and two Turing Award winners, to discuss advancements in mathematics, physics, information science, and engineering [1][2] Group 1 - The conference is being held for the first time in Beijing, with over 400 renowned international scientists in attendance, including many award winners and over 80 academicians from both China and abroad [2] - Over the next two weeks, the conference will host more than 500 academic meetings, where prominent scientists will share the latest research findings across various branches of fundamental sciences [2] - Qiu Chengtong, the conference chairman and a professor at Tsinghua University, highlighted significant breakthroughs in fundamental sciences that have greatly enhanced human understanding of nature and the universe [2][5] Group 2 - Qiu Chengtong emphasized that advancements in fundamental sciences are crucial not only for technological innovation but also as a core driving force for the evolution of human civilization [5] - He stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the scientific field and promoting mutual trust and communication [5] - During the opening ceremony, the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Fundamental Sciences was presented to six scientists, including physicist and MIT professor Samuel Ting [5]

Core Insights - The 2025 International Conference on Basic Sciences opened today in Beijing, featuring over 80 international and domestic academicians and nearly 1,000 experts and scholars [1] - The conference will last until July 25 and will host more than 500 academic reports and satellite meetings, focusing on mathematics, physics, information science, and engineering [1] - The rapid development of artificial intelligence will be a key focus, exploring the close relationship between basic sciences and AI [1] - The conference chair, Fields Medalist Shing-Tung Yau, emphasized the importance of basic sciences, particularly mathematics, in contributing to AI [1] Industry Focus - The conference aims to foster collaboration among scientists worldwide to contribute to the future of humanity through shared knowledge and advancements in basic sciences and AI [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the achievements of Liu Jianya, a mathematician from Shandong University, who received the provincial science and technology award for his contributions to number theory and the advancement of basic scientific research in China [1][3]. Group 1: Achievements and Contributions - Liu Jianya has dedicated over thirty years to the field of number theory, significantly enhancing China's position in this area of research [1][3]. - His work includes breakthroughs in prime number distribution and self-adjoint forms, which have garnered international recognition [3][4]. - The legacy of number theory at Shandong University dates back to 1962 when former president Pan Chengdong solved a quantitative problem related to the Goldbach conjecture, marking a significant moment in the international mathematics community [3]. Group 2: Philosophy of Basic Science - Liu emphasizes that basic science is driven by curiosity rather than immediate practical applications, citing historical examples such as Einstein's theory of relativity and the origins of quantum mechanics [4][5]. - He argues that the pure exploration of number theory has practical implications, particularly in the field of cryptography, which is essential for securing personal financial information [4]. Group 3: Future Directions and Commitment - Liu expresses gratitude for the supportive environment for original innovation fostered by the provincial government and the academic traditions of Shandong University [5]. - He advocates for the cultivation of young scholars, emphasizing the importance of keen insight and patience in research [5]. - Liu commits to continuing the promotion of scientific inquiry and education, aiming to address frontier challenges and facilitate the transformation of research outcomes [5].