The 26th session of the thematic activities organized by the Center for China Science Popularization (CCSP) — the first in a series of seminars on empowering science popularization with artificial intelligence applications — was successfully held on the afternoon of February 21, 2024. The event invited teams from Baidu Corporation to jointly explore how AI applications can better empower the science popularization sector. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Wang Ting, Party Secretary, Director, and Research Fellow at the China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP).

Wang Ting emphasized the importance of thoroughly studying and implementing General Secretart Xi Jinping's instructions on developing artificial intelligence, promoting the enhancement of science popularization efforts through AI applications. He pointed out that in the current era of rapidly forming new quality productive forces, it is necessary to actively embrace the transformations and challenges brought about by new-generation AI, seize strategic opportunities, and drive the deep integration of science popularization with AI. Efforts should be made to explore intelligent dissemination methods, optimize resource allocation, enhance the effectiveness of science popularization, and promote high-quality development in this field.

Wang Ying, Vice President of Baidu, proposed that AI can provide more efficient and convenient means for science and technology professionals, assisting in the creation of science popularization content and optimizing data analysis. Additionally, AI can generate personalized science popularization recommendations, effectively conveying content to the public and injecting new momentum into science popularization services. The head of Baidu Wenku introduced and demonstrated Baidu Wenku’s AI-native content creation methods, detailing new AI functions such as intelligent text generation and editing, smart PPT creation and editing, and intelligent outline writing based on large model capabilities.

The two sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on the prospects, capabilities, challenges, and solutions for AI applications in the science popularization domain. They exchanged views on how AI can empower the creation and dissemination of science popularization content and assist in theoretical research. Participants also discussed the philosophy of human-machine co-creation and issues related to technical ethics. Through these discussions, everyone agreed that AI will drive profound changes in scientific research paradigms, science education systems, and the supply of science popularization resources. In the realm of science popularization, AI will play an increasingly important role. It is crucial to actively conduct cutting-edge research and practical explorations, using new technologies to innovate and develop science popularization work.

The Center for China Science Popularization (CCSP) will continue to leverage its advantages in talent and platforms for theoretical and practical research in science popularization. It aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration platforms that integrate science popularization with diverse sectors. Focusing on key issues related to AI empowering science popularization, CCSP will organize a series of thematic seminars and exchanges involving experts and scholars from relevant fields and technical experts, promoting the deep integration and development of AI and science popularization.