China News Service, Beijing, September 22 (Reporter Sun Zifa) On the occasion of the 2026 World Public Science Literacy Promotion Conference being held in Beijing, the China Science and Technology Museum's "Beichen Dialogue" launched a special program "Science with you", bringing together many experts and scholars to discuss practical paths to improve the scientific literacy of the entire population in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
This special program is convened by Guo Zhe, Director of the China Science and Technology Museum, and invites Xu Weilin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Secretary of the Party Committee of Wuhan Textile University, Dai Wei, professor of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and Li Juntian, leader of the China Feitian Dream Science and Technology Volunteer Group and volunteer for the China Science and Technology Museum’s science caravan, for a round-table dialogue.
The "you" in the core proposition of the program "Science with you" refers not only to scientific researchers in the laboratory, but to every ordinary person of all ages.
Academician Xu Weilin, who has been involved in science popularization practice for a long time, believes that the most important value of science popularization is to cultivate the soil for innovation. Scientific and technological innovation is inseparable from the understanding, recognition and acceptance of the whole society. In the past, due to limited public awareness, many advanced technologies were ignored for a long time after their introduction, and the contribution of science and technology to society was far less than it is today. At present, the improvement of the scientific quality of the entire population has fully unleashed the value of innovation, promoted the all-round development of society, and enhanced human welfare.
Li Juntian said frankly that in today's era of rapid and iterative development of knowledge, the pursuit of "not one less" science popularization service target cannot be relaxed. Science popularization is a public undertaking that adheres to the principle of fairness and universal benefit. He and his China Flying Dream Science and Technology Volunteer Group have been carrying out science education in Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai and other places for more than ten years. Featuring aerospace science popularization, they have sent immersive interactive experiences to remote campuses, allowing young people in border areas to touch their scientific dreams through education and entertainment.
Guo Zhe believes that behind quality education is the solid support provided by the resources of the whole society. In the near future, relying on the Internet and large-scale model technology, even children in remote areas may be able to obtain educational resources with the help of intelligent interactive tools. This is a beautiful vision for digital technology to help science popularization become more equitable and inclusive.
Xu Weilin pointed out that AI technology tools empower young people to learn independently, but the process of practicing and gaining true knowledge is precious and cannot be replaced. He shared the science popularization practice of the Textile Science and Technology Museum of Wuhan Textile University: the venue displays new results produced by the cross-integration of textiles, materials, engineering and other disciplines, stimulating young people's yearning for science; it educates young people to be brave in exploration and practice, cultivate comprehensive qualities in solving practical problems, and grow into explorers who are not afraid of failure and dare to innovate.
Dai Wei, a British professor affectionately called the "Chemical Magician" by his children, has been engaged in chemical experiment education in China for 30 years. He uses chemical experiments to popularize science that is "visible" to the public. He upholds the concept of "science popularization should go where people are" and makes communities and shopping malls places for science popularization.
Dai Wei shared a case in which the University of York in the United Kingdom collaborated with primary school teachers and chemical industry R&D personnel to jointly develop primary school science courses. He analyzed and pointed out that the curriculum development model of the three complementary advantages achieves the integrated output of educational resources. Business practitioners are well versed in industrial technology, front-line teachers are familiar with students’ cognitive characteristics, and universities play a role as a bridge. The three are combined to cultivate innovative talents.
Guo Zhe extended from this that science popularization is a cultural force, and countries need to carry out exchanges and learn from each other to promote the development of science popularization. In recent years, the China Science and Technology Museum has carried out the construction of "Listening to Science Spaces" in Nepal, South Africa, Thailand and other countries to tell Chinese stories through popular science.
Xu Weilin said that science knows no borders. From ancient Chinese papermaking and compasses to modern steam engines and other inventions, it is the scientific and technological contributions of different civilizations that together form the torrent of human progress. Facing the future, we should do science popularization work from the perspective of a community with a shared future for mankind and promote the sharing of global advanced scientific and technological achievements by all mankind.
