China Announces Top 10 Scientific Achievements of 2024
China has unveiled its Top 10 scientific and technological achievements of 2024, showcasing breakthroughs across a wide range of disciplines. The announcement was made on Thursday by the National Natural Science Foundation of China at the opening of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing.
The list highlights major national accomplishments in areas such as space exploration, quantum physics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced materials research.
China Pioneering Discoveries in Space, AI, and Medicine
Among the most notable achievements is the Chang’e-6 lunar mission, which revealed that volcanic activity occurred on the Moon’s far side some 2.8 billion years ago. This adds vital knowledge to lunar geological history.
The development of Taichi, a large-scale photonic chiplet, also made the list. It holds potential to drive progress in artificial general intelligence, pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency and speed.
In medical research, breakthroughs include a deeper understanding of nonoamine neurotransmitter transport, providing new approaches to treating mental illness. Another significant advancement is the application of donor-derived CAR-T cell therapy for treating autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
Groundbreaking Advances in Physics and Genetics
The list features a new helium-free solution for ultra-low-temperature refrigeration, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative in quantum and cryogenic research.
A major discovery in nano-optics has also been recognised, as well as evidence linking the presence of an extra X chromosome to male infertility—an insight that deepens our understanding of genetic disorders.
In physics, researchers made a major contribution to correlated quantum physics, while astronomers found key evidence related to galaxy formation and evolution.
Recognising Innovation in Energy and Scientific Excellence
An innovative result in the field of new energy highlights China’s continued push for sustainable technology. Overall, the Top 10 list reflects the nation’s strong emphasis on basic research and its ability to translate findings into global scientific influence.
The selected achievements were chosen from a pool of 700 candidate research outcomes. More than 2,700 experts and scholars—including nearly 440 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering—participated in a two-round review and voting process.
This marks the 20th time the National Natural Science Foundation of China has released such a list, continuing its tradition of promoting excellence in scientific research.
with inputs from Reuters
