Can Science Really Become Popular?

The spacious lecture hall and showers of applause;

Eye-catching posters and nicely produced videos;

And a rapper taking the stage in praise of the glamour of popular science;

At the launching ceremony of the Science Carnival, you could quickly become immersed in the festive atmosphere among the college students filling up the lecture hall.

However, the busy, jovial opening is followed by serious talks among the guest speakers, all revolving around one question: can science really become popular?

This is Li Daguang, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, whose research domain is on scientific literacy among the general public.

"The latest data suggests that Chinese people's scientific literacy remains at a lower level than all the developing countries. We lag far behind India and Malaysia."

According to the most recent survey conducted by the Chinese Association of Science and Technology, the percentage of Chinese population with adequate scientific knowledge is only about 1.4%, while America reached 12% fifteen years ago. Li Daguang's remarks at the ceremony resonate with many other speakers and lead to the discussion on how to enhance people's scientific literacy.

Yang Xilun is the secretary general of Chinese Society for Science and Technology Journalism. He believes the popularity of science depends on how close it is to our everyday lives and interests. He borrows an example from the stock market to demonstrate how to make it happen.

"The lasting zest for stock market investment among Chinese people has enormously enhanced the nation's business knowledge. So some social organizations, such as the Squirrel Club, should also try to snatch more public attention by meeting their general needs in life."

Meanwhile, Professor Ma Yuanye with the Chinese Academy of Sciences attaches great importance to the cultivation of correct attitudes to science.

"Every year in China, prospective college freshmen are passionate in attending the national science and technology contest in order to be admitted into college without taking entrance exams. So at this time my institute sees a lot of aspiring parents asking for a favor to help their kids carry out scientific researches. Finally one of the funny and ridiculous outcomes could be a high school student claims he's done an analytical study on bamboo's DNA."

Professor Ma says as we desperately disseminate science knowledge nowadays, people should never forget to promote the scientific spirit, which equals a righteous, serious and honest attitude toward science.

For China Drive, I'm Zhao Kun.