Scientist summit in Zhejiang points young talent toward future

The plenary session of the 2024 World Youth Scientist Summit was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 17, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Young people are in the most vibrant and creative stage of life, since they dare to challenge traditions and explore the unknown. They are the main force of technological innovation, and the future of technology lies with them, scientific organization leaders and officials said at the plenary session of the 2024 World Youth Scientist Summit (WYSS) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sunday.

Nearly 800 representatives — including scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, talented young people from 71 countries and regions and 63 international scientific and technological organizations — attended the event to discuss youth development and strengthen cooperative friendships.

Against the backdrop of accelerating globalization and increasingly close international scientific and technological cooperation, the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) was officially inaugurated during the summit.

As an international, academic and nonprofit social organization, the establishment of the association represents the birth of a new network for scientific collaboration. Focused on uniting the collective strengths of young scientists worldwide, WAYS is guided by the core principle of "science and technology for good".

The plenary session of the 2024 World Youth Scientist Summit was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 17, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gao Chunbo, the vice-chair of WAYS who also serves as secretary-general, emphasized that the network will build a diverse research community that brings together young scientists from different countries and backgrounds to foster innovative thinking that can address global challenges. At the same time, it will actively promote the sharing of research resources, knowledge and technology to enable young scientists from various nations to collaborate more easily.

"The presence of WAYS will not only contribute to tackling major global issues but will also nurture a new generation of internationally minded research leaders and make significant contributions to global scientific and technological progress," Gao said.

Lu Chaoyang, the chair of the association, said that WAYS will provide an effective means of uniting talented young scientists.

"Building on the foundation of WYSS, WAYS can attract more high-level talent, gather the collective wisdom of young scientists and contribute to scientific and technological innovation that advances sustainable development," Lu said.

Through cross-disciplinary and cross-regional collaboration, WAYS will foster the exchange of knowledge and cultural understanding among young scientists, explore the potential applications of science in addressing global issues and amplify the voice of youth as they contribute their wisdom in driving sustainable development through scientific and technological innovation.

WAYS was spearheaded by the China Association for Science and Technology and jointly launched by the CAST Center for Professional Training and Services, the Wenzhou Growth Foundation for World Young Scientists, Venture Cup Denmark and the Young Earth Scientists Network.

The founding ceremony of the World Association of Young Scientists was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]