At a recent communication meeting for the 2026 Science Exploration Award ceremony, Tencent's Senior Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Xi Dan, shared the story behind the establishment of this prestigious prize. He emphasized that the award was born from scientists' deep concerns about the future of China's scientific community and their reflections on how to better support the growth of young researchers.

Xi Dan recalled that Tencent founder Ma Huatong once engaged in discussions with several prominent scientists, raising a key question: "What can Tencent do?" During these conversations, the scientists noted that while China has made substantial national investments in basic research, there are areas where corporate entities like Tencent and private funding can play a more flexible and impactful role. This idea took more concrete shape at the first Science Exploration Award ceremony. At that event, one of the founding members, Nobel laureate Chen Ning Yang, expressed his deep concern for the next generation of young Chinese scientists. Reflecting on his own career, Yang pointed out that a researcher's scientific journey goes through two critical stages—the graduate school period and the five to ten years immediately following the completion of a doctoral degree.

Xi Dan explained that during the first stage, young researchers benefit greatly from good mentors who can guide them along the right path. In the second stage, however, these scientists often have clear research directions and strong interests but have not yet had their ideas validated. They lack both influence and resources, and they face the personal pressures of starting a family and building a career. The dozens of senior scientists who initially founded the award believed that this period is precisely when many original scientific ideas emerge, making it essential to help these researchers go into their work "with light gear." This is why the prize was designed to target this specific phase. The award is open to young scientists under the age of 45 for men and under 48 for women, with many current recipients falling within the crucial 30-to-40 age range.

Xi Dan emphasized that the core intention behind the Science Exploration Award is to give highly promising scientists with clear research visions the freedom to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their work. By supporting them during this critical window, the award enables them to produce meaningful results and gain greater recognition and investment. "This is both the founding vision of the award and the key support we believe we can offer to these future scientific leaders." He also disclosed that Tencent invested 10 billion RMB in 2022 to establish the New Cornerstone Science Foundation, which now operates the Science Exploration Award. Although the initial pledge was 1 billion RMB for the first phase, Tencent has already invested 1.5 billion RMB with no expectation of commercial returns. "This holds great significance for both the nation and society. We want to stay true to our original intentions and maintain a pure focus on supporting more outstanding scientists."