The 7th Science Festival of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2024 was held in Beijing with exciting home events
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the 2024 CAS Science Festival is taking place from October 26 to 27 at the Beijing Botanical Garden, hosted by the CAS Institute of Botany. With a lineup featuring a science-themed drama titled “Science Adventure,” demonstrations of bionic fish, and interactive games against chess robots, this series of engaging activities aims to draw the public closer to the wonders of science.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Hi, Science! — Curiosity Explores the Unknown, Science Connects the Future.” The event is organized into six main sections: “Hi Theater,” “Innovation Exhibition,” “Creation Workshop,” “Close Encounters,” “Beauty of Science,” and “Scientific Innovation Gathering.” These segments will showcase significant technological advancements and innovations led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
At the festival, attendees can listen to insights from esteemed scientists and renowned experts, enjoy captivating science plays and experiments, and learn about groundbreaking research such as the High-Altitude Cosmic Ray Observatory and the Einstein Probe Satellite. Additionally, participants can experience hands-on science demonstrations featuring “acoustic levitation,” “air cannons,” and “AI robots,” and they will have the opportunity to tour national key laboratories to observe daily research activities.
For those who cannot attend in person, the event will also offer a live streaming experience that allows online viewers to engage with the festival virtually. Popular science bloggers will team up with researchers to explore science-themed mystery boxes, while the public can enjoy online programs and participate in quizzes to experience the charm of technology.
This year’s festival is hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and organized by various affiliated institutions, including the CAS Division of Academic Affairs, the CAS Computer Network Information Center, and the Institute of Botany. Additionally, multiple CAS entities will host diverse and engaging science communication activities tailored to their unique specialties.
Among the highlights, the Wuhan Institute of Information and Documentation will feature an exhibition titled “A Century of Scientific Life” showcasing the spirit of scientists and hold a “Junior Guide” competition. The Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography will conduct outreach programs and lectures to promote science as a means of poverty alleviation. The Institute of Electrical Engineering will allow the public to participate in wind tunnel experiments with resistance parachutes and observe the operation of solar thermal power plants up close. The Hangzhou Institute of Medicine will showcase automation in screening workstations, reagent preparation, protein concentration measurement, and 3D bioprinting from its inaugural year at the festival.
Special sessions of the festival will also take place at the CAS branches in Guangzhou and Xi’an, presenting a variety of exciting regional activities. Furthermore, the South China Botanical Garden and the Ningbo Materials Technology and Engineering Institute will host a special event titled “Science and China” night.