"We should facilitate the exchange and sharing of high-quality science popularization resources, and in particular unlock the potential of scientists to convey sci-tech stories." That's according to Li Meng, vice minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology and administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, speaking via video link at the Shanghai Science and Technology Communication Conference.
In particular, Li lauded the efforts of foreign experts made in promoting science popularization and sci-tech communication in China.
He hoped that more foreign scientists will participate in China's sci-tech communication work and strengthen international cooperation and exchanges to enhance the international influence in this field.
The annual Shanghai Science Festival was launched on August 20. As part of the festival, the Shanghai Science Communication Conference debuted to popularize science to the public. Superstars in the sci-tech field, like Nobel laureates, prominent scientists, and Internet celebrities, shared their insights in promoting science communication.
Shanghai-style science popularization
Shanghai has placed great importance on the work of popularizing science and technology, and on March 1, 2022, the city issued a policy to specifically promote this initiative. According to Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, the event serves as a proactive exploration toward constructing a new platform for sci-tech communication, as well as a robust measure to facilitate sci -tech popularization and innovation in Shanghai.
Shanghai was a vital hub for cultural exchange and one of the cradles of China's modern industrial and sci-tech civilization. The deputy mayor of Shanghai, Liu Duo, noted that the city will continue to step up efforts in sci-tech popularization in three dimensions, such as establishing a social platform, emphasizing professional support, and maintaining an international perspective.
Wang Pinxian, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said, "Shanghai is a city with a scientific tradition, where Eastern and Western cultures mingle. The spirit of innovation has always been engraved in the city's DNA." He said that the concept of "Shanghai-style science popularization" is based on combining Chinese and Western perspectives and having the courage to try new things.
Scientists' leading roles in sci-tech communication
Faced with a new wave of scientific and technical innovation, as well as economic transformation, the gap between scientists and the general public has narrowed. Scientists should maximize their own strengths, assist citizens in enhancing their scientific literacy, and involve the general public in technological innovation.
The 2013 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Michael Levitt explained the concept of the Virtual Global Laboratory (VGL) in a holographic speech. "This is a new concept that aims to develop a flexible scientific research structure that maximizes the advantages of global diversity, which combines the role of online and offline communication," he said, adding that, "It can expand the influence of scientific research results as much as possible."
Bruce V. Lewenstein and Diagram A. Scheufele, two of the most renowned figures in public communication of sci-tech, also discussed their opinions on the emerging trends in international scientific communication research.
Wang Hongyang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, inspired by her work with the Association for Women in Science, urged more scientific societies to get involved in the field of sci-tech communication.
"Science and technology need to be promoted in a way that appeals to the general audience," said Internet celebrity Tang Cheng, adding that professionals should promote and broaden public understanding of scientific and technological concepts.