This highly anticipated event will do more than satisfy the curiosity of science-loving students: it will spark inspiration and answer the many questions they bring. It aims to set shortlisted students on their own paths to scientific discovery because dialogue is where curiosity meets experience and where the abstract equations and clinical trials they read about in class become human, lively and thrilling.
On stage will sit celebrated scientists – figures whose names are already etched into the story of modern science – whose presence signals a passion for passing wisdom to the next generation.
Expect the five 2026 Shaw Laureates in Life Science & Medicine and Mathematical Sciences to candidly share practical road maps for their breakthroughs: how to frame a question, how to design an experiment, how to recover when data disappoints and how to translate theory into tools that change lives. Beyond technical details, the laureates will reveal the mindset that fuels discovery.
For students, hearing these candid reflections is transformative: the path from classroom to lab bench or research institute becomes visible and attainable. The laureates’ stories turn abstract ambition into concrete next steps – what to study, whom to seek out and how to build the resilience that research demands.
Presented by the Shaw Prize Foundation and organised by SCMP Learn, “The Shape of Success: A Conversation with The Shaw Laureates 2026” is a living masterclass in innovation and practice – a rare chance for Hong Kong’s brightest, science-minded students to engage directly with world-class mentors. In this setting, wisdom is exchanged in close, in-person interaction: students ask, laureates answer and together they sketch the future of science – one question, one experiment and one bold idea at a time.
Shaw Laureates 2026
Professor Anne Dejean, Professor Hugues de Thé and Professor Zhu Chen – co-recipients of The Shaw Prize in Life Science & Medicine 2026
Anne Dejean is Professor Emerita at the Institut Pasteur, France; Hugues de Thé is Professor and Chair of Cellular and Molecular Oncology at the Collège de France, and Hospital Saint Louis in Paris, France; and Zhu Chen is Professor at Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
They have been honoured for uncovering the molecular and cellular bases of acute promyelocytic leukaemia and for pioneering a synergistic targeted therapy that has transformed the disease from one of the deadliest to one of the most curable cancers.
Professor Emmanuel Candès and Professor Camillo De Lellis – co-recipients of The Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences 2026
The journey
“The Shape of Success: A Conversation with The Shaw Laureates 2026” is the starting point for shortlisted students to unlock their potential. Join this voyage of discovery.
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Application: The journey begins with a short challenge: each applicant is invited to submit an essay of 100-250 words reflecting on their passion for Life Science, Mathematical Sciences or other scientific fields, and explaining how direct engagement with the laureates could inspire them to strive for excellence.
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Shortlisting: The SCMP editorial team will evaluate submissions and shortlist up to 60 students who stand out for their passion and potential to contribute positively to the programme.
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Pre-event preparation: On October 31, 2026, shortlisted students will be invited to an online workshop, including a sharing session led by the Shaw Prize student representatives to introduce the 2026 laureates, highlight their award-winning research, and provide context to help students prepare for the discussions. Next, students will take part in a complimentary English journalistic writing workshop curated by SCMP, focusing on interview techniques and storytelling.
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The day of inspiration: Shortlisted students should mark November 13, 2026, in their diaries. They will be split into two groups – Life Science & Medicine and Mathematical Sciences – to gain a deeper understanding of the Shaw Prize, engage with laureates in dialogues moderated by SCMP, and sharpen their English interviewing skills in a panel-discussion format.
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Share reflections: To deepen their experience, students will submit a 250-word post-event reflection accompanied by a photo taken during the event. The top three essays will be published in the Young Post, sharing those insightful reflections with a global audience.
“The Shape of Success: A Conversation with The Shaw Laureates 2026” serves as a launch pad for future leaders in science. Seize this opportunity and let an inspired journey of discovery begin.
Key dates at a glance
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Application period: Now until October 16, 2026
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Online English journalistic writing workshop & pre-event briefing session: Saturday, October 31, 2026
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Event day and venue: Friday, November 13, 2026, at Shaw Studios in Tseung Kwan O
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Apply here: https://bit.ly/4dvEsXs
