The Third World Laureates Forum kicks off in Shanghai on Oct 30, 2020. [Photo/cctv.com]

Quantum physics was a key focus of leading scientists at the third World Laureates Forum, which concluded in Shanghai on Sunday, as they addressed the frontiers of science and the development of disruptive technologies.

Nearly 140 world-class scientists, including 61 Nobel Prize winners, attended subforums during the three-day event, in person or virtually, to discuss the latest advances in fields including brain science, artificial intelligence and quantum physics.

The event opened the day after the conclusion of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which mapped out a course for the country to make major progress in developing core technologies in key areas and become a global leader in innovation by 2035.

Three subforums in Shanghai were dedicated to quantum physics, with five Nobel Prize laureates in physics and two Chinese academicians taking part, reflecting the importance given to the cutting-edge field by President Xi Jinping last month.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said during a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in mid-October that quantum science is at the forefront of a new round of scientific, technological and industrial revolutions, and China will need to advance its development with more strategic planning and supportive policies and investment.

Quantum physics gives a precise description of the basic force of nature and leads to achievements explaining how matter and light interact through basic processes involving fundamental particles such as atoms and photons. It will have major applications in the development of communication, computing and precision measurement, according to Serge Haroche, 2012 Nobel Prize laureate in physics and a professor at the College de France.

He said in a subforum that the world is undergoing a second quantum revolution, and China is playing an important role in quantum communication research.

Quantum studies revolutionized lives during the 20th century, contributing to the advent of computers, lasers, navigational satellites and MRI scanners, which constituted "the first quantum revolution", Haroche said.