On 31 May, Guangdong Province Basic and Applied Basic Research Work Promotion Conference was held in Guangzhou. The meeting reviewed the development of basic and applied basic research in Guangdong Province and its typical practices, and strategized for the upcoming initiatives.

At the conference, Guangdong Science and Technology Department announced the letter from the National Natural Science Foundation of China on supporting the Nan'ao Science Conference to host the Shuangqing Forum - Youth Science Forum.

The conference pointed out that in recent years, Guangdong has attached great importance to basic and applied basic research, resulting in phased results. The overall level of basic research is rapidly advancing, positioning the region at the forefront nationally. During the conference, it was requested to further strengthen the systematic layout of basic research, deepen reforms of basic research systems and mechanisms, build a high-level major platform for basic research, and bolster the development of talent pools. It is also essential to deepen exchanges and cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and international entities, promote the spirit of scientists in the new era, achieve breakthroughs in basic research, and strive to make contributions to Guangdong's advancement.

Universities serve as the main driving force of basic research. The conference pointed out that the next step will be to strengthen the development of key subjects with distinctive Guangdong characteristics. The focus will be on supporting the construction of basic subjects such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with disciplines like information and computing science, artificial intelligence and brain science.

High-end exchange platforms play a crucial role in basic and applied basic research. At the meeting, Gong Xingao, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), said the Nan'ao Science Conference is a top-tier academic exchange platform in the field of basic research, with nine conferences successfully organized to date. "We hope to provide a high-quality platform to enhance the level of basic research centred on the Greater Bay Area."

Focusing on basic research and talent training in basic academic disciplines, GTIIT, as the Secretary Office unit and one of the organizers of the Nan'ao Science Conference, has ensured the Conference's continued success while adhering to municipal strategy. Since the inception of Nan'ao Science Conference in February last year, nine high-level academic conferences have been held, attracting 490 experts and scholars to discuss topics on basic research, quantum materials and manipulation, high-efficiency integration of optoelectronics, marine ranching and effectiveness of blue carbon, AI, chiral science and technology, etc. It has played a vital role in fostering the development of related fields and building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a global highland for basic research and original innovation.

Text/Photos: Nanfang+, GTIIT News & Public Affairs