On October 24th, the Presidential Office held the “Presidential Science Prize” awards ceremony, where Dr. Wen-Hsiung Li, a member of the Academia Sinica, received the prestigious award. Dr. Li has made significant contributions to the field of life sciences through his long-standing research, and this award symbolizes the highest honor in scientific research. As an outstanding alumnus of Chung Yuan University, Dr. Li has pioneered various mathematical analysis methods in the field of molecular evolution, profoundly impacting the development of genetics and evolutionary biology. He has also made significant contributions to education and talent development. Despite being 81 years old, Dr. Li continues to actively engage in cutting-edge research, exploring the unknown and focusing on the future of humanity, making him a role model for scientists.
The “Presidential Science Prize” is awarded biennially and is the highest honor in the Taiwanese scientific community. It recognizes scholars who have made innovative and outstanding contributions to international academic research, setting the highest standards in Taiwan’s academic world. In the 2022-2023 edition, three Academia Sinica members were honored, with Dr. Wen-Hsiung Li receiving the award in the “Life Sciences” category. The award was personally presented by President Tsai Ing-wen.
Dr. Wen-Hsiung Li, who graduated in civil engineering from Chung Yuan University in 1965, earned his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Brown University in the United States in 1972. He has made remarkable contributions to the academic research in molecular evolution and enjoys international recognition. His research on RNA virus evolution has contributed to understanding how viruses evolve to become more transmissible disease vectors, and he has also made important contributions to the study of the evolution of the novel coronavirus. Additionally, he has led biodiversity research at Academia Sinica, enhancing domestic research capabilities and actively promoting Taiwan’s international reputation in related fields.
