In addition, he explains that major pharmaceutical companies in Europe and the US have established research institutes here in China, which are evolving at an accelerated pace. "They perceive China as a critical research center, and so I just see this further developing on a very strong trajectory," says Sundquist.

Richard Schoen, laureate of the 2025 WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, also says that China is very strong in his field: differential geometry and mathematical physics.

"Geometric analysis is one of the historically prominent areas for China. In fact, I've had at least 20 PhD students from China. I am already pretty well-connected here among mathematicians, and I certainly expect that to continue," says Schoen, a professor emeritus at the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University.

Aiming to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for their contributions to science, the WLA Prize was established in Shanghai in 2021.The prize is also intended to support global science and technology advancement, addressing the challenges to humanity and promoting society's long-term progress.