On April 11, the launch ceremony for the 12th "Charm of Light" nuclear science popularization event and the promotion of the scientific spirit by academicians took place at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Auditorium. Distinguished guests, including Du Xiangwan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Ye Guoan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, heroic astronaut Wang Yaping, and Peng Jie, daughter of "Role Model of the Era" Peng Shilu, attended the event. They delivered lectures on the theme of inheriting and promoting the spirit of China's "Two Bombs, One Satellite".
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the successful detonation of China's first atomic bomb. The event, themed "Inherit the 'Two Bombs, One Satellite' Spirit, Promote the 'Science Serving the Country' Tradition," aims to encourage scientists and the youth to embrace this spirit, understand nuclear safety knowledge, enhance their nuclear science literacy, and foster the healthy and efficient development of China's nuclear industry.
"The fundamental purpose of humans mastering nuclear energy is to contribute to human happiness and energy security, and the future development of nuclear energy should be its peaceful use. China has great potential and capability in developing nuclear energy," said Du Xiangwan.
As the world shifts towards a zero-carbon future and adjusts its energy structure, there are high hopes for the development and use of nuclear energy. However, public awareness of nuclear power needs to be significantly improved compared to its importance. "Intensifying nuclear science popularization, promoting the concept of green nuclear energy, creating a favorable environment for nuclear energy development, and enhancing public understanding and trust in nuclear science and safety is a long-term task," stated Xu Jia, Director of the Party Group Work Department of China Nuclear Power.
Since its inception in 2013, the "Charm of Light" nuclear science popularization event has attracted over five million people, primarily middle school students, through knowledge competitions, academic lectures, nuclear power summer camps, and nuclear science popularization contests. These activities foster an appreciation of the scientific spirit and inspire the youth's curiosity and determination to contribute to the nation's nuclear sector. At the launch ceremony, over 200 young people enthusiastically engaged with guest speakers on specific issues.
This event is part of the "Science and China" tour lectures by academicians, aimed at inheriting the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" spirit and promoting the tradition of "science serving the country." It focuses on educating the youth about nuclear safety and the overall national security perspective, thereby enhancing the nuclear science literacy of the general public. The event is guided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration), National Atomic Energy Agency, National Energy Administration, and China Association for Science and Technology, and hosted by the Chinese Nuclear Society and China Nuclear Power.
Group photo from the event. Image provided by the organizer.
