Two exceptional Chinese scientists have secured positions on Nature magazine’s highly selective “Nature’s 10” list for 2025, recognizing individuals driving transformative developments in global scientific research. Liang Wenfeng, founder of AI research company DeepSeek, and geoscientist Du Mengran join eight other international innovators on this year’s roster of scientific influencers.
Liang Wenfeng’s inclusion comes as recognition for his groundbreaking work in advancing large-scale artificial intelligence models that are fundamentally reshaping research methodologies and innovation ecosystems worldwide. His contributions represent China’s growing influence in the AI revolution that is transforming scientific discovery across disciplines.
Meanwhile, Du Mengran has been honored for her pioneering achievements in deep-sea exploration, pushing the boundaries of oceanographic research and expanding our understanding of marine ecosystems and geological processes. Her work exemplifies China’s expanding capabilities in deep-sea technology and marine science.
Nature’s editorial team emphasized that the selection is neither a prize nor a ranking system, but rather a curated exploration of significant scientific developments and the key individuals—often working within larger research teams—who have played pivotal roles in advancing these stories. The list serves as a barometer of where science is heading and who is helping to shape its trajectory.
The dual recognition underscores China’s increasingly prominent role in global scientific advancement, particularly in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and deep-sea exploration. Both scientists represent the country’s growing contribution to addressing complex scientific challenges and driving innovation at the international level.