A student tests a piece of water-resistant paper during the 22nd Public Science Day held by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nearly 500,000 people took part in the 22nd Public Science Day held by the Chinese Academy of Sciences over the weekend, immersing themselves in the marvels of scientific discovery.

The event, themed "Enjoy a Scientific Journey, Empower the Future", brought together 138 research institutes and affiliated organizations across the country, opened more than 300 research facilities, and organized around 350 popular science activities led by 6,000 researchers and volunteers.

Dozens of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering delivered popular science lectures and interactive sessions. They shared their latest and most advanced research findings, embodying the spirit of scientific inquiry and encouraging public engagement with scientific endeavors. Among them, Chen Xiaolong, an CAS academician at the Institute of Physics, explained in plain language how "invisible" artificial crystals play a critical role in high-tech fields such as laser technology, optical communications, and semiconductors.

With an emphasis on openness, the event granted rare public access to a range of major scientific facilities, laboratories and field stations. These included the Multimode Trans-Scale Biomedical Imaging Facility in Beijing, the China Spallation Neutron Source in Dongguan, Guangdong province, as well as key national laboratories dedicated to semiconductor chip physics and technology, and brain cognition and brain-inspired intelligence. The initiative showcased China's independent innovation capabilities and offered the public a close-up experience of cutting-edge technology.

Students are attracted by underwater bionic robotic fish during the 22nd Public Science Day held by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's activities highlighted scientific achievements contributing to China's new quality productive forces, a concept emphasizing innovation-driven and high-quality economic development. For example, the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry showcased its latest advances in biomimetic materials, smart materials, and lightweight, high-strength new materials. Meanwhile, the Institute of Automation offered interactive experiences involving intelligent robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and smart healthcare.

Online platforms further amplified the event's reach through live broadcasts and virtual tours, attracting more than 100 million page views.

As a flagship science popularization event, Public Science Day remains committed to serving national strategies, addressing public concerns, and fostering the future growth of young people. It aims to showcase major scientific and technological achievements, promote the scientific spirit, and enhance public scientific literacy.

The 22nd Public Science Day was organized by the CAS Bureau of Academic Divisions, with technical support provided by the CAS Computer Network Information Center. (China Daily)