On September 28th, the 27th National Conference on the Theoretical Study of Science Popularization, focused on the theme "Building Scientific Literacy for the Future," convened in Beijing. The event was graced by the presence of Meng Qinghai, Vice President and Secretary of the Secretariat at the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), who delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Wang Ting, Director of the China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), gave a welcoming address. Keynote presentations were also delivered by Meng Qinghai and Academician Zhou Zhonghe from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Over 400 experts, scholars, and science communicators from universities, research institutions, the CAST national system, local science associations, science centers, and media organizations participated both online and in person. Wang Ting chaired the opening ceremony.
In his keynote speech titled “Reflections on High-Quality Development of Science Popularization in the New Era,” Meng Qinghai used emergency science communication as a starting point to elaborate on the critical role of science popularization in national governance and holistic human development. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving times by redefining the essence, concepts, methods, and mechanisms of science popularization. Meng outlined new developmental pathways for science popularization, including societal collaboration, intelligent communication, standardized development, and international cooperation. These approaches, he noted, are essential to fostering comprehensive human development, supporting innovative growth, modernizing governance systems, and contributing to the creation of a global community with a shared future.
Meng further highlighted that under new historical conditions, science popularization must elevate its perspective and broaden its scope. It must encompass major national concerns, discard path dependency and conventional thinking, and embrace self-reform to meet future challenges. He stressed that future-oriented science popularization should prioritize value leadership by rejuvenating the inspirational and guiding spirit of scientists. This spirit—characterized by "patriotism, innovation, pragmatism, dedication, collaboration, and education"—should become a societal value that deeply enriches the foundation for innovation.
Meng also pointed out that contemporary Chinese society is undergoing an era of unprecedented and transformative social practices, with notable changes, initiatives, and experiences emerging at the grassroots level in science popularization. He emphasized that practice has taken the lead, and theory must keep pace. Meng urged science popularization theorists to consciously arm themselves with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, enhance their "Four Consciousnesses," strengthen their "Four Confidences," and uphold the "Two Upholds." By focusing on science popularization practices, identifying problems, and summarizing patterns, they can provide theoretical support for high-quality science popularization development in the new era and contribute to China's aspirations of becoming a global leader in science and technology.
Zhou Zhonghe delivered another keynote titled “Researchers Engaging in Science Popularization: Reflections on Some Issues.” He began by exploring why researchers must be encouraged to engage in science popularization. Zhou analyzed current challenges faced by researchers, including reluctance, disdain, fear, and lack of proficiency in science popularization. From policy and individual perspectives, he offered insights and recommendations to address these issues. He called on researchers to actively contribute to science popularization, fostering a scientific culture and enhancing public scientific literacy.
During the academic report session on September 28th, Wang Ting, Lu Weimin (Secretary of the Party Group and Executive Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Association for Science and Technology), and Hu Jun (Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning) presented reports titled “Thoughts on the Pathways to Building Scientific Literacy by 2035,” “Explorations and Practices in Science Popularization Across Tianjin,” and “Suggestions for Strengthening Eco-environmental Science Popularization During the '14th Five-Year Plan' Period.” These presentations facilitated academic exchanges on theoretical research and practical explorations.
That afternoon, prominent academics delivered additional presentations. Li Zhengfeng, a professor at the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University; Xu Yanlong, Senior Manager of the Science Communication Bureau at the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Hu Weiping, a professor at Shaanxi Normal University; and Zhang Zengyi, a professor at the School of Humanities at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, presented on topics such as “Rethinking Citizen's Scientific Literacy in the New Era,” “Reflections and Practices on Popularizing Scientific Resources: A Case Study of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,” “Reform of Compulsory Education Science Curriculum and Teaching Based on Core Competencies,” and “Analyzing Emergency Science Popularization Capabilities on Social Media: The Case of the 'Shuanghuanglian Incident.'” These discussions explored current and future mechanisms and directions for advancing scientific literacy and science popularization.
The presentations, rooted in a new starting point and aligned with the demands of a new era, focused on building scientific literacy through innovative concepts and practices. They were highly insightful, relevant, and instructive. During the conference, experts and scholars engaged in lively discussions, exchanging ideas that broadened professional perspectives and enhanced theoretical understanding. These debates clarified practical directions for advancing the construction of scientific literacy for the future.
Simultaneously, CRISP released six outstanding academic works, including The History of Science Popularization Books in China—The Path to Understanding: A History of Physics Science Popularization Books in China, A Brief History of the People's Republic of China—Seventy Years of Science Popularization in New China, National Science Popularization Capability Development Report (2020), China Science Popularization Internet Data Report (2019), Scientific Communication Series for Science Workers—A Guide to Writing Scientific Essays: How to Write a Good Science Story, and China Science Education Development Report (2019). Awards were also presented to authors of outstanding papers selected for the conference.
This conference was organized by the China Research Institute for Science Popularization and co-hosted by the China Science and Technology Museum, the Chinese Medical Association, and the CAST-Tsinghua University Center for Science Communication and Popularization, with the Beijing Science and Technology News Agency managing operations. Adhering to the principle that technological innovation and science popularization are equally important, the conference brought together experts and scholars in science communication. Collectively, they offered insights and strategies for the 2035 vision of building scientific literacy, aiming to forge a robust ecosystem for its development and drive innovation in science popularization for the new era.