On October 10th, the 7th National Science Popularization Contest for institutions under the National Ethnic Affairs Commission (NEAC), hosted by NEAC and organized by SCMU, took place at the Guanggu Concert Hall. The event was attended by Zhu Weidong, Inspector of NEAC’s Common Development Department, Shen Hongbo, Director of the Social Affairs Office, Liu Yi, Deputy Party Secretary and President of SCMU, Fang Debin, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of SCMU, along with representatives from relevant units and students from SCMU and other affiliated institutions. Thirty-one outstanding contestants from six NEAC-affiliated universities, including SCMU, Minzu University of China, Southwest Minzu University, Northwest Minzu University, North Minzu University, and Dalian Minzu University, presented a science popularization feast to over 500 on-site attendees and more than 250,000 online viewers.
In his opening speech, President Liu Yi emphasized SCMU’s commitment to science popularization, integrating it into teaching, research, and social practice. He noted that NEAC’s decision to entrust SCMU with hosting the event again demonstrates recognition and support for the university’s efforts in this field. Liu highlighted the contest’s role in promoting science communication in ethnic regions and inspiring innovation across the NEAC system.
Liu Yi made a speech.Photo by Han Peng
Zhu Weidong pointed out NEAC’s ongoing emphasis on science popularization through activities aimed at disseminating scientific knowledge, nurturing talent, and enhancing scientific literacy among ethnic groups in minority regions.
Zhu Weidong delivered a speech.Photo by Han Peng
During the competition, contestants showcased their skills across various scientific disciplines and cutting-edge technologies, using video presentations, live demonstrations, and interactive Q&As to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Alifila Erkenjiangfrom SCMU used Li Bai’s poetry to introduce the optical phenomenon of Rayleigh scattering, explaining why the poet might have seen “purple smoke”.Yu Jiayi from Northwest Minzu University vividly explained the applications of brain-computer interface technology in real life, from cochlear implants to medical rehabilitation and gaming.
Alifila Erkenjiang in contest. Photo by Han Peng
Yu Jiayi in contest. Photo by Han Peng
The competition invited five renowned experts to serve as judges. These included Qiu Chengli, Deputy Director of the Science Communication Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, initiator of the National Science Popularization Contest, and former Inspector of the Department of Personnel and Science Popularization at the Ministry of Science and Technology; Yin Chuanhong, Director of China Science and Technology Daily and Vice Chairman of the China Science Writers Association; Gao Mengtan, Researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of the China Earthquake Administration, and Director of the Science Popularization Committee of the Seismological Society of China; Zhang Yong, Director of the Museum at Beijing Forestry University; and Zheng Yongchun, Researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The contest was structured in three segments, including individual presentations, self-chosen topic explanations, and Q&A sessions with the judges. These segments were designed to test the contestants’ scientific knowledge, language expression skills, and ability to respond under pressure.SCMU also prepared cultural performances to enrich the event.
After intense competition, Alifila Erkenjiang and Liu Xiaoxia from SCMU, along with Yu Jiayi from Northwest Minzu University, won first prizes. Ten contestants received second prizes, and eighteen received third prizes. SCMU and five other universities were awarded Outstanding Organization prizes, with SCMU also receiving a Special Contribution Award.
