Pan Jianwei Wins UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev Prize of $250K as First Chinese Scientist for Quantum Communications and Computation
Chinese quantum physicist Pan Jianwei of the University of Science and Technology of China has become the first Chinese scientist awarded the third UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev International Prize in the Basic Sciences. The honor, announced 10 July 2026, recognizes his seminal contributions to large-scale secure quantum communications and scalable quantum computation. His team developed the Micius satellite enabling quantum key distribution and teleportation over thousands of kilometers and demonstrated quantum computational advantage. Each laureate receives €219,000 ($250,000 USD), a gold medal and diploma; the ceremony is set for 17 July 2026 in Paris.
July 15, 2026