Beijing’s 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) opened this week, spotlighting China’s most groundbreaking scientific achievements of 2024. From lunar discoveries to quantum computing leaps, the listed advances reflect the country’s accelerating innovation in critical fields. Below are highlights reshaping global science and industry:
Space Exploration & Lunar Insights
China’s Chang’e-6 mission retrieved samples from the moon’s far side, revealing volcanic activity dating back 2.8 billion years. Researchers identified basalt and glass fragments that challenge previous assumptions about lunar geology, offering fresh clues about the moon’s volcanic history and early solar system dynamics.
Computing & Quantum Technology
The “Taichi” photonic chiplet emerged as a game-changer, delivering 160-Tera Operations per Joule efficiency—a tenfold training speed increase over traditional methods. Meanwhile, atomic-scale nanolasers demonstrated unprecedented precision, forming patterns like —中” (China’s) to aid materials science imaging. Separately, experiments confirmed graviton-like particles in quantum systems, advancing topological computing research.
Medical Breakthroughs
Universal CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases achieved global recognition, using donor-derived cells to slash treatment costs. Another study uncovered how extra X chromosomes disrupt male fertility pathways, paving the way for targeted interventions.
Energy & Environmental Innovation
A cobalt-based spin supersolid material enabled ultra-low-temperature cooling (-273.056°C) without rare helium-3. Additionally, a micronuclear battery boosted radioactive energy conversion by 8,000x, offering sustainable power solutions.
Astrophysics & Galaxy Evolution
Supermassive black holes were shown to deplete galaxies’ cold gas reserves, accelerating transitions from star-forming activity to dormancy. This discovery redefines models of cosmic evolution.
Themed “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technology Cooperation,” the forum underscores China’s commitment to collaborative innovation. The event runs through March 31.
