On August 7, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the review results for its 2026 special projects. A science popularization project led by Professor Li Shaobin from the Research Team for Conservation, Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Characteristic Biological Resources of SCMU has been approved for funding. Titled “From Jianghan Plain to Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau: Two‑Way Bird Science Outreach for Primary and Secondary School Students”, this project falls under the science‑communication category. It marks the first NSFC special science popularization project secured by SCMU, demonstrating SCMU’s growing impact in integrating scientific research with social services as well as advancing science popularization and ecological‑civilization education.

Centered on the ecological mysteries of birds on the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau and the Jianghan Plain, the project links the two typical habitats and their distinctive avian species, with a focus on migratory bird populations traveling between the two regions. In response to the inadequacies of existing cross‑regional and cross‑habitat bird popularization education, it delivers two‑way interactive bird science outreach activities targeting selected primary and secondary school students from the Jianghan Plain and the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau. By organically incorporating traditional Tibetan ecological culture into popular science practices, the project guides multi‑ethnic adolescents to foster awareness of biodiversity conservation while learning about nature and ecosystems, and helps foster the sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Professor Li Shaobin has long been engaged in research on avian ecology and biodiversity conservation, with abundant research outputs concerning high‑altitude bird adaptation and ecological science popularization. To date, he has presided over five NSFC projects and published more than 30 SCI papers as first or corresponding author. He actively promotes the translation of research findings into teaching and popular science practice. He has repeatedly guided students to win awards at provincial and national science and technology competitions, and delivered ecological science lectures at primary and secondary schools as well as communities. He boasts solid research competence and extensive hands‑on experience in science popularization.

Editor-in-charge: Liu Qiong Reviewed by: Lei Changsheng Uploaded by: Ailifeila Release Date: August 28, 2026