Chinese Academy of Sciences Marks 77th Anniversary with Science Festival in Beijing
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) celebrated its 77th anniversary by launching its annual science festival in Beijing over the weekend. The festival aims to promote public engagement with science and inspire young people to explore scientific advancements.
This year’s event features a range of activities designed to make science accessible and engaging. Attendees can enjoy popular science plays, interactive science magic shows, hands-on practice sessions, and exhibitions highlighting the academy’s recent achievements in scientific research and technology.
Among the highlights of the festival are opportunities to learn about important scientific facilities. Visitors can explore the Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR), which utilizes thorium as a nuclear fuel source, and the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), engineered to detect elusive neutrinos. The Tianguan satellite, also known as the Einstein Probe, which captures X-ray flashes, is another significant display.
Additionally, festival-goers can experience performances by a robot band, interact with exhibits featuring cutting-edge artificial intelligence, and explore bionic-sensing technology, including bionic eyes and taste chips. Hands-on projects such as simulating chip fabrication and constructing model submarines are also available for participants.
Activities extend beyond Beijing as CAS research institutes across the country host their own programs. In Shandong province, the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research offers insights into long-term observations and agricultural advancements at the Yucheng station, focusing on saline-alkali land improvement and sustainable agriculture in the Yellow River irrigation area.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Applied Ecology in Shenyang, Liaoning province, highlights the importance of black soil formation and its ecological protection, helping the public appreciate its value.
