On October 25, 2025, the 2025 HE Research Fellowships Ceremony and academic symposium were successfully hosted in Shunde, Foshan. Twenty young scientists specializing in the fields of medical and life sciences, energy, environment, and climate change were honored, each receiving RMB 2 million in research funding to advance their original and groundbreaking fundamental, translational, and applied research. This event, which combined academic depth with a philanthropic spirit, not only showcased the innovative potential of China's young scientific talents but also highlighted the HE Science Foundation's commitment to empowering technological progress and fulfilling its social responsibility through philanthropy.

The ceremony and academic symposium brought together leading academicians from top institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, the World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the European Academy of Sciences. Experts and scholars from prestigious universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Stanford University also attended, along with the 20 young scientists who received funding.

Academic Symposium Focuses on Cutting-Edge Research: Exploring Pathways for "0 to 1" Breakthroughs in Two Key Fields

The academic symposium was divided into two sessions: medical and life sciences, and energy, environment, and climate change. Discussions centered on global challenges such as human health, energy security, and climate response. Academicians including Guoping Zhao, Ben-Zhong Tang, and Guoliang Xu engaged in in-depth dialogues with the funded young scientists, discussing the feasibility of research plans, overcoming technical bottlenecks, and pathways for industrial application.

In the medical and life sciences session, projects such as "Deciphering Bacterial Anti-Phage Immunity Mechanisms and Developing Novel Antibacterial Strategies" by Ning Jia from Southern University of Science and Technology, "Molecular Subtyping and Precision Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer" by Yizhou Jiang from Fudan University, "Plant Chromosome Editing Technology" by Yuan Zong from China Agricultural University, and "Embodied Intelligence for Surgical Robots" by Qi Dou from the Chinese University of Hong Kong received high recognition from academicians and experts for their potential in technological transformation. Notably, Yuan Zong's proposed "gene editor" aims to achieve precise customization of crop traits, offering new solutions to address food security issues. Qi Dou is dedicated to developing next-generation AI-driven "surgical robot co-pilots" to enhance surgical efficiency and provide higher-quality surgical treatments for patients.

In the energy, environment, and climate change session, Lin Chang from Peking University presented his project on "Low-Power, High-Performance Photonic Chips," which could enable machines to "think" at the speed of light, making computers more portable and energy-efficient. Peng Tan from the University of Science and Technology of China introduced his "Integrated Intelligent Perception Battery" project, which uses high-precision sensors to monitor internal conditions in real-time and employs intelligent analysis for self-diagnosis and early warnings, enhancing battery safety and reliability. Feng Jiao from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared his project on "Carbon Monoxide Molecule Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversion," which utilizes green hydrogen to improve the carbon atom utilization rate of coal-based syngas, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Yuhao Zhang from the University of Hong Kong presented his work on "Third-Generation Semiconductors and Power Electronics," targeting energy-saving needs in fields such as power grids and new energy vehicles, with the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption.

The symposium, moderated and summarized by academicians and experts, maintained a balance between "academic rigor" and "application-oriented focus." It not only affirmed the originality of the young scientists' ideas but also provided interdisciplinary suggestions for their research directions, building a bridge for "industry-academia-research-application" collaboration for future scientific breakthroughs.

Ceremony Reflects the Mission: A Public Welfare Fund Supporting Young Scientists' Dreams

On the afternoon of October 25, the 2025 HE Research Fellowships Ceremony was held in the first-floor hall of Midea's 08 Exhibition Center. During the ceremony, academicians Guoping Zhao, Ben-Zhong Tang, and Guoliang Xu presented certificates to the 20 young scientists.

Academician Qikun Xue, Professor Robert Samuel Langer from MIT, Professor Chuan He from the University of Chicago, and Professor Yi Cui from Stanford University delivered inspiring and insightful speeches. Academician Xue remarked, "The program focuses on two key areas critical to humanity's future: energy, environment, and medical and life sciences. This 'commitment to nurturing talent and supporting research' reflects not only a deep care for young scientists but also sets a benchmark for society's support of technological innovation."

The ceremony also featured short videos introducing the research directions and achievements of the 20 funded young scientists. The event was simple yet solemn, highlighting the central role of scientists and the intrinsic value of scientific research. This approach echoed the HE Science Foundation's commitment to philanthropy—conveying core values in a humble manner and ensuring that public welfare truly serves the essence of science.

Philanthropy Empowering Science: Long-Term Commitment Rooted in National Sentiment

As the founder of Midea Group, Mr. He Xiangjian has long been dedicated to philanthropy, having supported over one million people in areas such as basic education, rural revitalization, and elderly care. Establishing a RMB 3 billion science foundation in his name represents an "upgraded extension" of his philanthropic efforts—shifting from "livelihood support" to "technological breakthroughs at the root," targeting fundamental research in areas of "national priorities and global frontiers."

"National strength and economic prosperity are inseparable from technological development," Mr. He Xiangjian stated during the foundation's launch, encapsulating the patriotic sentiment behind his philanthropic actions. Unlike short-term project funding, the HE Science Foundation adopts an "institutionalized and sustainable" operational model. The foundation has already planned subsequent work, with the next round of nominations set to begin in November 2025, continuing to identify young scientific talents with original capabilities. This "long-term commitment" funding model addresses the current shortfall in social investment in fundamental research, providing a valuable supplement to national scientific funding.

Future Outlook: Philanthropy and Science Collaborating for High-Quality Development

The successful implementation of the 2025 HE Research Fellowships not only provides a research platform for 20 young scientists but also advocates for social philanthropy to support fundamental research, fulfilling the HE Science Foundation's mission to advance science and social development through concrete actions.

From medical and life sciences addressing human health to energy and sustainability in the context of global development, from food security in agriculture to breakthroughs in information technology, the funded projects demonstrate significant scientific value and potential for application. These projects are expected to contribute to technological progress and industrial innovation.

As the foundation continues to champion the philosophy of "supporting fundamental research breakthroughs and promoting the transformation of original achievements," the HE Science Foundation will leverage its philanthropic power to connect young scientific talents with industry needs, enabling them to focus on original, groundbreaking, and applied research, and paving the way for a brighter future in scientific development.