Nobel laureate Gérard Mourou, renowned for revolutionizing laser technology, is diving into cutting-edge research in the Chinese mainland! The French physicist, now a chair professor at Peking University, revealed plans to explore extreme light applications for medicine and clean energy at the 2024 Beijing Forum.
Laser Dreams & Global Talent
Mourou, who co-won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for laser breakthroughs, will help establish a new institute focused on laser physics, astrophysics, and more. Peking University says the hub aims to boost international collaboration – part of China’s growing appeal to top scientists worldwide.
Why China?
Mourou joked that Chinese scientists were “smart enough” to recruit him, praising their innovative drive: “Students here aren’t just book-smart – they think outside the lab.”
He’s not alone: Fields Medalist Caucher Birkar teaches math at Tsinghua University, while structural biologist Yan Nieng left Princeton to launch a Shenzhen medical academy.
Science Without Borders
At the Beijing Forum, over 500 global experts discussed AI, sustainability, and health. Mourou highlighted China’s tech leaps: “The best is yet to come.” Meanwhile, Nobel winner Samuel Ting noted that 30 new J particle family members were discovered at a Beijing research institute.
With China investing heavily in R&D, Mourou’s laser quest could light up tomorrow’s breakthroughs!
The French physicist, now a chair professor at Peking University, revealed plans to explore extreme light applications for medicine and clean energy at the 2024 Beijing Forum. 
Peking University says the hub aims to boost international collaboration – part of China’s growing appeal to top scientists worldwide.
Meanwhile, Nobel winner Samuel Ting noted that 30 new J particle family members were discovered at a Beijing research institute. 
