Visitors experience the "5G remote driving system" during the 2024 National Science and Technology Week at Shougang park in Beijing. (PHOTO: VCG)

By Staff Reporters

The 2024 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), which opened on May 25 and ends on June 1, highlights how the spirit of scientific inquiry and the power of innovation can illuminate everyday lives and foster social progress. Across the country, various events are being organized to showcase the latest achievements in scientific and technological innovation.

Technology in everyday life

On May 25, the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences presented its independently developed perovskite solar cell modules in Qingdao city, Shandong province in east China. Perovskite solar cells have a perovskite or crystal-structured compound and are cheap and easy to manufacture. The exhibition brought together representatives from emerging industries and future industries and showed Qingdao's commitment to cultivating new quality productive forces.

Xiamen Innovax Biotech Co., Ltd., the tech enterprise behind China's first cervical cancer vaccine, opened its doors to the public for research and visits during the NSTW.

In Wuhan, Hubei province in central China, the focus was on new generation information technology, medicine and health, and modern agriculture. The exhibition featured police drones, explosion-handling robots, and bioartificial livers. It also offered interactive experiences like natural disaster and fire self-rescue training and XR helmet demonstrations.

An atmosphere of innovation

The NSTW is both about spreading scientific knowledge and enhancing public scientific literacy. In Henan province in central China, many high-level innovation platforms and science popularization sites were opened to the public for free, including the Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Henan University, and the National Museum of Chinese Writing.

These events broaden people's scientific horizons, and help them to acquire new knowledge through experience and appreciate the charm of science through interactive activities, according to Xing Yuhui, an official of Henan Science and Technology Department.

Henan, Shaanxi, Xizang and other regions launched the "promoting the spirit of scientists" initiative during the NSTW. Hubei province highlighted the achievements of six women scientists in life sciences, resources and environment, digital information technology, and new materials, showcasing their contributions to scientific innovation.

Inspiring children's dreams

Technology not only transforms lives but also ignites children's dreams for the future. In Hefei, Anhui province, 30 drones flew into the sky to the tune of the song "I Love You China," captivating the students and parents who had gathered at the northern square of the Hefei Science and Technology Museum. The city's exhibition featured popular science drama performances, scientific and creative product displays, model airplane exhibitions, and drone shows.

Through these activities young students experienced the wonders of science and technology firsthand, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the unknown. The concluding day of the NSTW, June 1, is celebrated in China as International Children's Day.