World laureates sound off in Hainan

David Gross, 2004 Nobel Prize in physics

Gross has been a central figure in particle physics and string theory. He won the Nobel Prize with Frank Wilczek, his student, for their discovery in 1973 of "asymptotic freedom"-a characteristic of quantum particles-which led to the formulation of Quantum chromodynamics, the theory of the strong nuclear force.

"The scientific and technological development of China over the past years has been amazing. I visited China 30 years ago, and the growth is quite remarkable and very impressive. China is investing in basic science, which leads to having a lot of scientists."

"Chinese people in general and the Chinese government recognize the importance of science for economic growth and development. They respect knowledge. As an American, I'm very happy because we cooperated and collaborated."

"It is a wonderful life to be a scientist, it's an adventure. Scientists can teach and do important research. For the individual, it widens the experience of life."