Report maps global young talent in embodied intelligence

The Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in Embodied Intelligence was released at the 2026 World Young Scientists Summit (WYSS), held in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, from Oct. 24 to 25.

Compiled by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, the report analyzes the researchers' geographic distribution, international mobility, educational backgrounds and career trajectories. It draws primarily on papers published in leading journals and presented at major conferences in the field.

According to the report, more than 60% of the 1,836 researchers surveyed were aged 35 or younger, and their median age was 34.

The 10 countries and regions with the most researchers accounted for 87.1% of the sample. In descending order, they were the United States, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Canada and Italy. Researchers from China and the United States together accounted for 58.1% of the total.

The report also highlighted close links between academia, industry and research institutions in the field, finding that about 60% of the young scientists surveyed had industry work experience.

More than 60% of the researchers worked at academic institutions, the largest employment group, followed by those at companies.

Among young scientists who had founded businesses, most completed their undergraduate studies in the Chinese mainland or the United States, while nearly half earned their highest degrees in the United States.

Jointly hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang provincial government and the World Association of Young Scientists, the WYSS is part of CAST's International Month 2026, themed "Originating Innovation, Nurturing Excellence."

Led by CAST, the initiative brings together local governments, international science and technology organizations in China, national academic societies, and local science and technology associations. It aims to foster exchanges between Chinese and international science and technology communities, promote shared development, and explore the future of science and technology.

The Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in Embodied Intelligence is released at the 2026 World Young Scientists Summit in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 24, 2026.