Seven laureates in three disciplines — astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences — were honoured at the 23rd Shaw Prize Award Presentation Ceremony, held in Hong Kong on November 10. Chief Executive John Lee congratulated the recipients in a speech at the event, praising what he described as their pioneering work and consequential discoveries.

In the speech, Lee said Hong Kong shares the laureates' commitment to science and the pursuit of knowledge, and is turning that commitment into action. He pointed to the city's inaugural Five-Year Plan, launched in September, which places high priority on developing the Northern Metropolis. According to the speech, three university towns covering more than 1 000 hectares are being developed there, each with a distinct focus: one on medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics, microelectronics and emerging industries; another as a centre for applied post-secondary education in smart manufacturing and global talent cultivation; and the third emphasising the arts and blue-and-green development.

Lee said the university towns are intended to attract scholars and students from around the world, along with interdisciplinary research institutes and joint laboratories, bringing academia, research and industry together. He closed by congratulating the 2026 laureates.