Ge Zhaoguang is awarded the 2026 Tang Prize

This award recognises Ge Zhaoguang’s wide-ranging research, which has influenced academic circles in China and around the world.

“Mr Ge was chosen for his mastery of ancient Chinese thought,” said David Wang, chair of the selection committee for the Tang Prize in Sinology, at a press conference held on 17 June in Taipei.

“From his early work on Chan Buddhism, Taoism and the history of philosophical thought to his more recent series of studies entitled What is China?, Professor Ge has consistently offered original perspectives and groundbreaking discoveries. His achievements have not only exerted a considerable influence in China, but have also resonated within the global Chinese-speaking academic community, as well as in Japan, Korea, North America and Europe,” added Mr Wang.

In his latest book, What is China?, the author offers an insider’s account of his country of origin. He addresses the sensitive issues surrounding Chinese identity and shows how modern research on China – whether conducted in China, East Asia or the West – has sought to make sense of the country’s shifting territorial boundaries and the diversity of its ethnic and cultural groups.

Since the advent of globalisation, humanity has enjoyed unprecedented benefits thanks to advances in civilisation and science. However, numerous challenges have emerged, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, widening inequalities and the erosion of moral values. It was against this backdrop that Dr Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012.

The prize comprises four categories: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Sinology and the Rule of Law. Every two years, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising numerous experts, researchers and internationally renowned Nobel laureates, select the winners of the Tang Prize who have made major contributions and had a significant impact on the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender or religion.

A cash prize of NT$50 million (approximately US$1.6 million) is awarded in each category, of which NT$10 million (approximately US$320,000) is allocated as a grant for research or educational outreach programmes designed to encourage professionals from all fields to address humanity’s most pressing needs in the 21st century and to become driving forces for the sustainable development of human society through their outstanding research achievements and active civic engagement.